happy feet

Good morning. Today, I am rerunning a part of a blog from last year. Usually, whatever I have to say is just not that important. But today, it is.

Today is One Day Without Shoes Day. April 5th, TOMS Shoe Company is challenging people across the world to go a day, an hour, ten minutes, whatever they can, completely barefoot. Why? A few reasons they offer:

· In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.

· Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.

· Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.

· In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.

· Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

Those are just a few of the startling and sad facts. Shoes are a luxury. Who would have thought? We certainly don't give it a consideration when we throw on the flip flops or lace up the Skechers.

As one of the company's interns puts it: "Now you're probably thinking, "Why would a SHOE COMPANY encourage folks to go BAREFOOT?" Easy. TOMS is not just a shoe company; TOMS is a movement, an advocate for change. We want to raise awareness for the MILLIONS of children around the world who go every day without the luxury of something as simple as shoes."

In fact, this company donates one pair of shoes to those who need them for every one pair they sell. Not ten percent, not "a portion of our profits," one for one. That, to me, is amazing.

So, today I am going barefoot. It should at least be warmer than it was last year. And after my week without a coat two weeks ago, I'll have a head start, right? Join me?

http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/