TOMS shoes: Altruistic shopping takes the next step

How do you get people to donate to a good cause? Let them do it by shopping for their own materialistic selves:

While traveling through Argentina, Blake Mycoskie came across canvas shoes that his feet took an instant liking to. He took the alpargatas-- comfortable utility shoes that resemble espadrilles-- reworked them a bit, and started TOMS Shoes.

Not just casual chic slip-ons that were spotted all over L.A. this summer, TOMS Shoes give new meaning to 'two for the price of one'. For each pair purchased (USD 38), TOMS gives a pair to a disadvantaged child in South America. Materials and shoes are produced and manufactured in Argentina under strict 'no sweatshop' guidelines, ensuring fair labor practices and minimal impact on the environment.

An interesting idea... Making charitable giving a fashion choice. Obviously, that's being plumbed with the whole Product (Red) thing, but there's a definite immediacy to knowing that some kid in South America is wearing the same shoes you're wearing, thanks to you. It really puts the aphorism about walking a mile in someone else's shoes to work.

As Shawn says in the comments section of quality blog designverb:

This is such an awesome idea! There are loads of people who would never give money to a charity or buy shoes to send to a needy child, but, who would pay a little extra for a pair of shoes just because it goes to a good cause.

Great idea indeed. Plus, while it's tiresome to go around bragging about how much you're helping the underprivileged, when your friends ask you about your Tyler Ramsey hand-painted limited edition TOMS you can grudgingly admit how awesome you are. Besides, TOMS look a damn sight better than the cheaper Croc.... although I am getting a bit of cognitive dissonance from the fact that some of them come in militaristic camouflage prints.

Comments

[marc]

One presumes the camouflage is more useful for the south american kid.

[tango!]

got the comment/trackback....thanks!!!
nice blog, i'll throw it on my rss!!!

[Green Girl]

I heard you can host a House Party for TOMS Shoes. Check out this link to apply: Houseparty.com/events and click on TOMS.

It goes like this:

You can apply to be one of 1500 hosts who receive discounts on TOMS Shoes for themselves and their guests as well as other other cool stuff from House Party. Of course, for every pair of shoes sold through the party, Toms will donate a pair of shoes to a child in South Africa. Pretty cool!

[Sole Ambassador]

TOMS Shoes is an amazing company with an amazing mission. Spread the word and get TOMS on your feet ASAP!!!

For FREE SHIPPING and $5 off on your next pair of TOMS, check out www.tomsshoes.com and enter in PROMO Code: KATIEM at the checkout.

[Josie]

If you want free shipping online...please use the promotional code JOSIEC and feel free to tell everyone about it..it should be relevant this whole summer, using it would really help me and TOMS out
thanks

www.tomsshoes.com

for every pair bought, a pair goes to a child in need

[Atwood]

You have done a terrific job. I visited CouponAlbum site (http://www.couponalbum.com) also and its so worthy to shop there.