|
TOMS Shoes was founded
in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. The shoe is a unique slip-on design
comprised of clean lines and lightweight fabrics. Blake initially
founded TOMS when he was inspired on a trip to Argentina by the traditional,
rope-soled Argentine "alpargata". He was struck by the poverty and
health issues of the country, and set out to reinvent the alpargata for the
U.S. market, and in doing so to accomplish one goal: Making life more
comfortable for those without shoes.
To realize this
purpose, Blake made a commitment to match every pair of TOMS purchased with
a donation of a pair to a child in need. There are no complicated
formulas - it's simple: If you buy a pair of TOMS, the company will give a
pair on your behalf. "I was overwhelmed by the spirit of the South
American people, especially those who had so little," Mycoskie says. "And I
was instantly struck with the desire - the responsibility - to do more."
Since its beginning
in May 2006, Toms has given over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in
Argentina and 50,000 pairs in South Africa through the purchase of caring
customers. In 2008 TOMS plans to give 200,000 pairs of shoes to
children in need around the world.
It's simple, for every pair you purchase,
TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. click
on image for larger view and more information |
