Shoes are important, especially in developing countries where children walk for miles every day to get to school and clean water. Shoes protect feet from rough paths, sharp objects, contaminated soil and the cold and heat. And in some places they are also a part of school uniforms so children can attend class.

While these alone are some of the great benefits of wearing shoes in developing communities, it is when shoes are combined with other efforts like de-worming medications, hygiene education and community health care that they become powerful tools in helping keep kids healthy and going to school.

That’s why TOMS is proud that our customers’ shoes are given through Giving Partners like IMA World Health in Haiti. IMA has been working to prevent soil-transmitted infections in Haiti since 2007.  Working through schools and community centers, IMA provides education on healthy hygiene and sanitation practices as well as de-worming and other safe medications to help treat children with parasites.  Starting in 2010, IMA was able to integrate TOMS Shoes into their program, helping further protect children from infections like hookworm.  

“These shoes provide added benefit to IMA’s program on several levels. First, the children love the shoes. You can see their faces light up when they put them on. They are genuinely excited.  But ultimately, shoes act as a simple barrier, providing an extra layer of protection against soil-transmitted infections. They are a wonderful complement to the medication being distributed through our program.” - Rick Santos, President & CEO of IMA World Health. 

Thanks to the expertise of TOMS Giving Partners, like IMA World Health, and their experience in impoverished communities, TOMS Shoes are more than a gift – they are a crucial piece of the puzzle for improving children’s health and access to education. 

Want to learn more? Check out:

IMA World Health

Neglected Tropical Diseases