Once upon a time in my teenage years, I found it hard to buy shoes that fit. It was very frustrating. But there’s nothing more frustrating than walking without shoes. Think of the hundreds of children who walked without shoes everyday to go to school or help their parents earn a living.
Last May 21, 2015. I joined TOMS to celebrate the 5th year of One Day Without Shoes in the Philippines. We walked barefoot so children won’t have to. It was a festive event attended by friends of TOMS, customers, bloggers, celebrities and advocates. The Track 30th Park in Bonifacio Global City was transformed into a mini fair grounds.
Macho Nacho, Phatboys Handcrafted Ice Cream Sandwiches, Hattendo Japanese Cream Buns, Wingstop, and Pink Berry joined in the fun Entertainment was provided by the drum circle of the Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community, and the poi and hula hoop dancers and flow arts performers of Planet Zips. They were joined by ukulele musicians and buskers. The combination of tasty snacks and great entertainment provided the warm ambience of a relaxing walk in the park.
It was very festive and it was such a haven for me because I personally love dates at the park 🙂
To make the walk a little more fun and entertaining, it was led by social activist Carlos Celdran (dressed in his signature barong tagalog and bowler hat), he entertained the guests with triva and stories about TOMS. Host-actor-author, Victoria Herrera and sportscaster Marc Nelson also joined the walk.
It was my first time to join the Day Without Shoes and walked barefoot. The grounds felt warm. The cars patiently waited for us to cross the streets as if to show their support. I felt free to run and walk without worrying about my shoes or heels or my stride.
During the annual celebration of its anniversary on May 5 leading up to One Day Without Shoes on May 21, TOMS waived the initial purchase requirement. For the cost of a post on social media, a child in need receives a pair of shoes for free, thus this year’s tag line, “TAKE A PIC = GIVE SHOES.” All the participants had to do was use the tag #withoutshoes on Instagram. The photo was counted towards the number of shoes that TOMS will be giving this 2015 to children in need. I hope you did your part!
The good news! 296,243 kids will receive new shoes!!! Entries came in from the USA,Europe, Asia and Australia, with photos of feet at home, on tour, watching TV; at the beach, by the riverside, in bed, at the office; playing, working, relaxing, sleeping; at sunrise, at midnight, at sunset, at high noon. The movement attracted the participation of thousands globally, from adults to yuppies to senior citizens to babies to “fur-kids”(the bulk of which celebrate One Day Without Shoes on a daily basis anyway).
It is good to know how global this campaign is! During my participation in #LenovoTechWorld in Beijing, I met Shanon who wore her TOMS shoes everyday and she said she also took part in the campaign!
Continue supporting TOMS especially that the brand carries other 3 lines which support different advocacies. The eyewear line helps restore sight to individuals, the coffee line supports water system in 7 countires, and the bags line helps provide training for skilled birth attendants.
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