TOMS Shoes helps to end a world problem, with style
Artwork by Ed Gloor
Blake Mycoskie traveled to Argentina in 2006 and befriended a group of Children, all of whom had no shoes. Mycoskie wanted to help so he created TOMS Shoes. The company’s mission was to put a pair of shoes on the feet of every child in need. To do this they created the One for One program, for each pair of shoes sold, TOMS would give a pair to a child in need.
Many wonder, why not give medicine, food, or water? The answer is that many children in developing countries live without shoes. Growing up barefoot can be very harmful to a child’s health. Wearing shoes can help prevent soil-transmitted diseases, and painful cuts and sores that can become infected. Many of the children who receive a pair of shoes have never been to school because most schools require shoes as part of the uniform. “If they don’t receive an education, they don’t have the opportunity to realize their potential,” stated TOMS.
TOMS has given shoes to children in 23 countries throughout the world, including South Africa and Argentina. The average journey of donated shoes is four to six months. Once the shoes are purchased by a customer, the number of shoes needed goes to the factory, it is then sent by boat to the destination country where it is delivered to children by truck or jeep. As of September 2010 TOMS donated 1,000,000 pairs of shoes.
Smith is the owner of Unity Boutique, a shop that sells clothing for Men and Women. Upon walking into the store, one gets a trend-setting vibe. Unity has been carrying TOMS for years now, and that is because of the One for One program that the company has set up. “The mission of our business is to focus on clothing and accessories that are either eco-friendly or made with a social purpose. So that’s really why, it fits right in with what we do,” said shop owner Smith Dillon. “Unity boutique is Denver’s top Eco clothing boutique for both women and men. We have Colorado Casual clothing that fit into our love of the outdoors, travel and looking good. Check out our website for more information: unityboutique.com.” Unity Boutique is located at 1455 S. Pearl Street Denver, CO 80210.
TOMS offers a plentiful variety of shoes, which come in all styles and colors and is the most popular brand at Unity. “We sell at least five pairs a day,” said Smith. From the classic slip ons to the high-top Botas, TOMS has something for everyone. The shoes are comfortable, long-lasting, and make an impression. Words of advice, however, watch out for puddles if you purchase a pair of the Classics.
