Random questions. Thorough answers.
What's the date this year?
One Day Without Shoes is on April 16, 2013.
How do I get involved?
Simple: Go without shoes on April 16! Better yet, get a group of friends/classmates/co-workers to go without shoes – you’ll be joining thousands around the world in a global movement.
What's the best way to get the word out?
Our DIY toolkit has lots of creative ways that you can help spread the word. From stencils for t-shirts to stickers, there are lots great ways to raise awareness for a good cause.
Are there places that it is culturally common to not wear shoes?
Yes, there are some places in the world where going barefoot is widely accepted. But when children are affected by disease and illness, or unable to attend school due to inadequate footwear, it is not about a cultural preference, but about the need for protection. One Day Without Shoes is about raising awareness for children's global health and education issues.
How can I get involved beyond One Day Without Shoes?
We are so excited that you are interested in doing more! There are many barriers to children’s health and education. We encourage you to find a solution you are passionate about supporting, such as education, clean water, agriculture, microfinance, health or child labor. There are lots of organizations working to improve children’s health and education worldwide that need support. Need a place to start? Check out TOMS Giving Partners. We are working on getting a list online. Until then, please check out the TOMS blog at http://blog.toms.com to see some of them.
Who gives TOMS Shoes to children in need?
TOMS Shoes are given through a network of humanitarian organizations – our Giving Partners – that serve impoverished communities worldwide. Each organization provides TOMS Shoes to children in need along with their pre-existing health, education and community development programs. As of January 2013, TOMS works with over 75 Shoe Giving Partners in over 50 countries worldwide!
Where do I send a TOMS donation?
We are honored that you would like to donate money to help children in need! Because TOMS is a for-profit business (with a social mission) we are not able to accept donations. We encourage you to send the donation to an organization working to improve children’s health and education.
If you are interested in supporting TOMS Giving Partners’ larger health and education programs, please go to our blog at http://blog.toms.com/tagged/giving to see some of the organizations we work with. Please keep in mind funds will not be used to give shoes. TOMS covers the cost of giving new shoes to children in need. And thank you for your support!
Why would a shoe company sponsor an event to not wear shoes?
This is our day to bring awareness to global children's health and education issues. Providing shoes supports the health and education of children in need all over the world!
Wait! How exactly do shoes support children’s health, education and self-esteem?
Go to http://OneDayWithoutShoes.com and check out the ‘Learn More’ page.
I am a student or teacher. How do I get involved with One Day Without Shoes on campus?
We are super excited that you are interested in participating in One Day Without Shoes on your middle/junior high, high school, or college/university campus! Visit our TOMS Campus Programs One Day Without Shoes landing page (link to www.tomscampusprograms.com/onedaywithoutshoes) for ideas and information on how to participate on campus.
How can I connect with other One Day Without Shoes participants on my campus?
Email TOMS Campus Programs at CampusPrograms@TOMS.com and we will help connect you with other participants on your campus or a campus nearby.