American traveller, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Therefore he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.
Once the footwear side of the brand was launched, there was realisation that this movement could serve other basic needs, TOMS eyewear was launched. With every pair of glasses purchased, TOMS would help to give sight to a person in need. One for One.
Since launching the company, TOMS have given 10 million pairs of shoes to children in need, teaching them 10 million lessons. With the help of customers, TOMS have been able to give different types of shoes based on terrain and season, or creating local jobs by producing shoes in countries where they give. TOMS shoes are always given to children through humanitarian organizations who incorporate shoes into their community development programs.
Since 2011, 150,000 people have had their sight restored through purchases of TOMS Eyewear. TOMS give sight in over 10 countries, providing prescription glasses, medical treatment and/or sight-saving surgery with each purchase of eyewear. Not only does a purchase help restore sight, it supports sustainable community-based eye care programs, the creation of professional jobs (often for young women), and helps provide basic eye care training to local health volunteers and teachers.
Supporters have helped TOMS turn a simple idea into a powerful reality. The TOMS Community Team supports and inspires individuals and groups to create a positive change in their communities and schools all over the United States. They offer free resources to provide individuals with the opportunity to host fun and educational activities, as well as teaching guides to host discussions about conscious consumerism and social entrepreneurism.
TOMS offer a variety of footwear styles for men, women and kids, besides the alpargata-inspired classics. From everyday men’ shoes like Paseos to fun and flirty Strappy Wedges, they are passionate about both the fashion and compassion they offer.
TOMS eyewear is inspired by iconic vintage style, from wayfarer-inspired Classics to pilot frames to historic oversized lenses, and every purchase provides their customers the opportunity to restore sight to a person in need.
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