It's not hard to figure out why I chose this organization.
Because I work at a shoe store, I have a soft spot for shoes. When people started wearing TOMS, I thought they were so adorable. Basic and cute. It wasn't until I heard the background on these shoes that I learned to love them more.
Which each pair of shoes sold by TOMS, the company will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. I took some time to research why exactly they chose shoes to donate to these children. The company says they chose shoes because there are several diseases that can be transmitted through bare feet. Also, several children can't even attend school without shoes. They can't get an education?
How many of us chose education and knowledge as something we valued? I know I did.
TOMS posts their values all over their website. Their entire organization is based off of these ideals. Because each employee devotes themselves each day to living with these values, the organization can be successful.
Could you imagine having to live your life without shoes? I'd love to try but I'm not sure if I could go to work at a shoe store without wearing my shoes. I'm not even sure if I would be allowed into class without shoes. But this is the daily life for children in countries such as Argentina.
One of the coolest things I found about TOMS is their partnerships with other organizations. Polo Ralph Lauren and Element skateboards have started donating their items to children in need. As of September 2010, TOMS has given over 1 million pairs of shoes to children in need. Next pair of shoes to buy? Make it TOMS. Sorry Famous Footwear, I'll endorse you guys next time.
I chose this organization because I get a good feeling about it. They aren't selling food that isn't healthy, they aren't selling anything harmful. They're selling something we need anyway, right? Might as well help those in need as we do it.
I must say, I have not purchased a pair of TOMS shoes yet. I've been wanting to do it. So I will, right now, order myself a pair of TOMS.
Done!
Maybe you can all do the same :)
Love you all,
Annalise
Awesome post. Not only did I laugh a couple times, but I found out about a great organization and something they do to give back. Gotta order me some Toms now...
ReplyDeleteI appreciate how you related this to something you (and many others) personally value (education). TOM is an excellent example of a values-based company. Unfortunately, I haven't bough any TOM shoes yet, but I've been wanting to!
ReplyDeleteI feel the exact same way you do about TOMS... and I also still have yet to order a pair. I think about the organization every time I see someone wearing them, but still need to actually act on it, so hopefully I will do that very soon!
ReplyDeleteI feel the TOMS is a great thing to do. I remember one or two years ago we had a don't wear shoes day or something because of this event. Granted I saw very few people do this on campus, but it was nice to see that people cared. I will purchase my TOMS by the end of this year.
ReplyDeleteOrganizations that give back like this are amazing. It such a breath of fresh air to find companies that are not just out to make a buck. Companies that hold true to themselves and their values are companies that should be most valued in our society.
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