2008-12-17

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:

22 comments:

goooooood girl said...

i like your blog......

Unknown said...

I have the navy ones!!! In 10 years I'll probably have this huge collection of them... haha

Bel said...

What a wonderful wonderful wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing this info :o) xx

The Stylish Wanderer said...

Toms shoes are so awesome! I wish I had the money to buy a pair.

Charlotte said...

Good initiative! I am afraid they will not arrive to Spain :(

ELLE said...

Hi babe, can you link me? I've had you linked for ages.
http://ohelle.blogspot.com

ELLE said...

Hi babe, can you link me? I've had you linked for ages.
http://ohelle.blogspot.com

Make Do Style said...

Ah yes they are great for summer and a good cause too!

Marian said...

Jen this is an amazing post,amazing guy! such an inspiration.thank you for sharing this.
muah x
Marian

Unknown said...

Tom's shoes are quite cool! roz actually has a pair!

Dollfaced Rebel said...

OMGosh Jen that was an insightful post... I have never heard of this until now. I am so moved. I want to go out and buy a pair just to support such a great cause.

Seraphine said...

i love you jen. this is such a great idea. thanks for sharing wonderful thought not only for christmas, but also for the rest of the year.

Baybay Mama said...

At first I thought Tod's was some hipster phenomenom but then I realized it was such a good cause. I think when it gets warmer out, I am going to get a pair to wear with short shorts!

keira antoia rose said...

Wow I've really only seen the Toms in the solid colors, but all the different patterns and sequins and such are soooo cool! I def want a pair! And I knew they donated to charity, but I didn't know to what extent. Taking one of those trips would be awesome.

xoxo Isabella Clarisse xoxo
www.tasteoffashionkar.blogspot.com

Angela said...

i like this post. i think x-mas is about giving rather than receiving.

miss vintage love said...

Great post! Oh, and I'm so happy you remembered Mariah, I love her!!

alis said...

I knew about Toms shoes but I didn't know there was such a cool guy behind it! I highly admire people like this, he not only lived many lives in his young age but he ended up doing something so great for the world. This guy will definitely come up with more great ideas in the future!

Ellie Lee said...

This is a great idea!! I wished I could do the shoe drop off! It's def a fun and enriching experience!


For once; it makes me wonder about Manalos and Louboutins which costs about a thousand bucks a piece and how a USD$40 pair would mean the world to these children...

Tricia said...

what a wonderful post for the holidays, really an inspiration. and i love the green boots!

Siljesfashion said...

How inspirational. Truly amazing, thanks for sharing!

Jill said...

I've heard of these several times, but never so in depth. It truly is a lovely idea!

Carolina Lange said...

Another amazing post!