Tomorrow, May 21st, TOMS – the company known for starting a global movement through its One for One® business model – will kick off their shoes for its eighth annual One Day Without Shoes campaign to raise awareness for children’s health and education. It is no secret, I have loved TOMS since Blake Mysockie introduced the bright red slip on. From the charity:water slip ons to their comfy and posh wedges, what is not to love about wearing shoes that pay it forward to kids around the world?!One Day Without Shoes is the initiative each year that TOMS raises awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. This year, for every photo of bare feet tagged on Instagram #withoutshoes, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need – no purchase necessary. That’s right – no purchase necessary! Even if you are not a TOMS customer (Which I may ask why not? Just kidding!), you can simply take a photo and post #withoutshoes to make sure a child in need somewhere in the world will get a new pair.

Millions of children around the world grow up without shoes, at risk of infection and disease. Children lacking access to education and good health struggle to break the poverty cycle for themselves, their families and their communities. With the complex issues surrounding poverty, there is not one solution, but many working together. TOMS believes that shoes play an important role in helping keep children healthy, educated and moving toward opportunities for a better future. Some notable statistics to consider:

• Health – Podoconiosis is a debilitating disease that causes extremely painful swelling of the feet and legs. Podoconiosis affects more than 4 million people in at least 15 countries.
• Education – Providing children with school uniforms – which often include shoes – can increase school attendance by 62%.
• Empowerment – When shoes are integrated into programs with larger community development goals, they empower children and their families to get the care and support they need.

Will you be taking off your shoes and help the kids around the world #withoutshoes?!