CHRISTMAS AND CHARITY = TOMS SHOES

WEDNESDAY
PART 4

Most people want presents for Christmas, but we also want to give to charity too, so why not have both? Meet Blake Mycoskie you might remember him from his stint on The Amazing Race, but don't be fooled by the pretty face. He is the CEO and founder of Toms Shoes. These shoes have been featured in everything from Time Magazine to Teen Vogue.

His Background: He was a professional tennis player until the age of 19, when he injured his Achilles tendon, then turned around and made his fortune as an entrepreneur, but then decided to give all his stuff away and live on a sailboat off the coast of LA with his girlfriend actress Maggie Grace (TV show lost). How he says his job title his "Shoe giver".

The Idea: For every shoe you buy (retail around 40-45 USD) he will give an exact pair to someone in need.

"I felt charity was something you did when you were older" "But then I was in Argentina on holiday, playing polo and drinking wine, when I saw children who didn't have shoes, but had to walk for hours every day."

"I thought about their problem from an entrepreneurial standpoint. Rather than asking people to donate money, I would get them to buy shoes and build a free pair into the business model. I spent a month learning how to make shoes, and that was it. I wish it were more complex."

So two years ago he came back to the states, sold his interest in his business and used the money to hire a shoe guy from Nike and the rest his history.

The shoes: The canvas is made from hemp, recycled cotton or recycled bottle tops, with a soft leather instep. The shoes he gives the children have a more durable leather, so it will last much longer.

Add bonus: For 1800$ USD paid through their website you can join them on one of their shoe drop offs. This would include your flight, accommodation and food and you can place the shoes on the children themselves. I made a mistake this does not include your flight, but it's still worth the price, you get free time to yourself as well. I'm seriously considering doing this at some point, if life permits.

Source & Source

TODAY'S SONG: