Sep

16

For Tomorrow - The TOMS Shoes Story

Post Category: Social Justice 

I just watched the short documentary film For Tomorrow - the TOMS Shoes Story (I originally wrote about TOMS here and here). The film tells the story of how Blake Mycoskie, a former contestant of The Amazing Race, was inspired by the low-cost alpargatas (espadrille-type shoes) he found during a trip to Argentina. He was also struck by the extreme poverty he saw and decided to do something about it.

In 2006 Blake launched TOMS based on the premise of giving away a pair of shoes to shoeless children in third-world countries for each pair he sold. To date TOMS Shoes have sold over 200,000 shoes and given away the same number.

I already own a pair of TOMS (pictured above) and knew the story behind the shoe but watching the images of little children putting on their first pair of shoes and mothers kissing and thanking the volunteers helped remind me how many simple ways people are making a difference around the world.

If you get the chance be sure to watch this inspirational documentary. And, if you don’t already own a pair of these very comfortable shoes, be sure to check TOMS out.

If you’re heading to Catalyst be sure to look up Carlos Bradley working the TOMS booth in the Social Justice tent and tell him you read about TOMS on BradRuggles.com.

Comments

4 Responses to “For Tomorrow - The TOMS Shoes Story”

  1. Abbey on September 16th, 2008 9:31 am

    That’s awesome how something so simple can make such a huge impact. It’s also awesome how similar your particular pair of shoes looks to water shoes…=)

  2. Ryan Detzel on September 16th, 2008 11:22 am

    I picked up a pair of Toms at Catalyst last year. I also preached a message about social justice a while back and educated our body on Toms shoes…we bought quite a few pairs.

    Good reminder of such an amazing idea. Simple.

    Ryan Detzels last blog post..Oh, snap…

  3. Cherith on September 16th, 2008 12:51 pm

    I have ALWAYS wanted a pair of TOMS shoes!! I think I found a pair that I have to have!! And while I was browsing on there I have also fallin in love with the Feed Bag. It will feed and educate a child for a year.. so I think I have to get it!!

    I love the message he is sharing.. so inspiring!

    Cheriths last blog post..My Home town… Fort Wayne Indiana!

  4. Dean on September 19th, 2008 4:47 pm

    Brad,

    Thanks again for writing about TOMS. I just got my first pair and a t-shirt from UPS today. Super geeked!

    Deans last blog post..I Am No Michael Stipe

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