Blake Mycoskie came in third place in 'The Amazing Race II' in 2002. It goes without saying that a feat like that would have been more difficult, if not impossible, without shoes. But it was after this competition when he returned to Argentina (his favorite stop of the competition), that he was struck by the number of children without shoes.
He decided he would redesign a more durable, rubber-soled canvas shoe and for every pair sold, would donate a pair to those children in Argentina. Fifty thousand children now have shoes on their feet thanks to Blake. This year’s plan is to donate 30,000 more to Africa.
God Speed, Blake.
Children's Footwear Charities
Toms Shoes Donates One Pair Per Purchase
Trend Themes
1. Charitable Footwear - Opportunity for businesses to incorporate charitable initiatives into their footwear sales, donating a pair for each pair purchased.
2. Durable Canvas Shoes - Innovation in creating more durable, rubber-soled canvas shoes that can withstand different terrains and conditions.
3. Footwear Donations - Growing trend of businesses donating footwear to children in need, helping improve their quality of life and access to education.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Opportunity for footwear companies to adopt a buy-one-give-one model and contribute to charitable causes.
2. Non-profit - Opportunity for non-profit organizations to partner with footwear brands for outreach programs that provide shoes to children in need.
3. Social Entrepreneurship - Opportunity for entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses that prioritize social impact through footwear donations.