As a bonifde shoe-a-holic, I am always aware of what's on my feet. But today, I am totally aware of whats not there. My usually well-shod tootsies are going bare for much of today as part of TOMS Shoes ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES, a campaign to raise awareness of the imapct a pair of shoes can have on a childs life.
Some facts from the TOMS Website:
It’s Hard Without Shoes
Through everyday encounters with domestic poverty, we are reminded to appreciate having food and shelter, but most of us all but forget about our feet. Food, shelter, AND shoes facilitate life’s fundamentals. Imagine a life without shoes; constantly aware of the ground in front of you, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infection after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but heat and cold.
The problem is large, but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and practicing basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. On April 8th, communities, campuses, organizations, and individuals are banding together to walk barefoot for One Day Without Shoes.
Take a walk with us on April 8th, 2010.
FACTS
- Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.
- In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
- Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
- Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
- In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
Even if your office isn't bare-feet friendly, take just a second to count your blessings today. And maybe think about picking up a pair of TOMS? Fashionable and Philanthropic-I can get behind that. Bravo to Blake Mycoskie, the smartie-pants behind TOMS and the ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES campaign!!
XO
-L
04.14.2010 
