Shoes. We all have them. Heck some of us have many, many pairs of them. Some with heels, some with sparkles, others in patent Italian leather, and of course a pair in whatever style may be the trend this year. We put them on our feet before leaving the house and never think twice about it. After all, they're just shoes.
To many kids in developing countries, these shoes have the potential of saving them from soil-transmitted diseases, cuts, sores, wounds and serious infections. A lack of shoes often also translates into a lack of education. Often times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't get to go to school. And if they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential in the world. Lots to think about when slipping on those loafers in the morning, eh?
Luckily, in 
2006, Blake Mycoskie realized this dilemma (and his calling in life) on a trip to Argentina. He found that many children did not have shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he founded TOMS Shoes with a simple business model: “With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.”
Mycoskie realized that simply donating shoes once is not a sustainable solution - the kids will quickly outgrow their shoes. So, the idea of continual donation (one pair for each pair bought) has created a never-ending cycle of giving. In fact, just later the same year, Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff to give over 10,000 pairs of shoes to children!
Now TOMS is one of the fastest-growing shoe companies in the world, and the number of shoes donated averages 10,000 pairs per month.
This year, TOMS launched its second One for One product, TOMS Eyewear. For every pair purchased, the company helps give sight to a person in need by providing medical treatment, prescription glasses, or sight-saving surgery.
