“We want to inspire others to look for simple tangible ways to make a difference. It is easy to be halted by the great hurdles of poverty and AIDS, but making an impact can begin as simply as giving someone a pair of shoes, or buying a song.” - Taylor Hanson
Beginning September 10, 2008, Hanson has embarked on The Walk Tour; a tour not only in support of their new album, The Walk, but a tour to continue fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa, an effort that began with their trip to Africa to record the charity single, "Great Divide." Hanson and TOMS shoes founder Blake Mycoskie will be speaking about the importance of taking simple action, like purchasing a pair of TOMS shoes.
TOMS Shoes starts with a simple idea. If you buy a pair of shoes, founder Blake Mycoskie will donate an equal pair to a deserving child. In October 2006, Blake held his first 'shoe drop' in Argentina donating 8000 pairs of shoes. Following the tour, the team will be headed to Africa for the next shoe drop. The goal is to deliver 50,000 pairs of shoes. What Can You Do To Help? Buy a pair and not only will you get a great, comfy pair of shoes, but a child in Africa will also get a pair during the shoe drop. What if you aren't able to get a pair on the tour? Join the 1 mile walks in each city!In each tour city, Hanson will host a 1 mile walk to bring attention to the cause. The exact location of the each day’s walk will be announced on hanson.net 3 hours in advance (ps if you participate in the 1 mile walk, you'll get to "jump the line" for the concert that night so you don’t need to worry about losing your place!). Feel free to bring signs, posters, etc. For creative ideas, click here.
Here is a video shot at UTSA, UT and my university Incaranate Word during the TOM's shoe drive. It features two great friends of mine Travis and Scott!
+Made+by+Nixmix.jpg)
TOMS are the best!
ReplyDeleteall that absolutely amazing! makes me love Hanson even more! :)
ReplyDeleteNIce!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Hanson...
You're both famous now!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you don't need that MTV thing!
Great cause! I would love to do that....its like walk barefoot for one mile...its great b/c these kids in these porvershed places walk for ever in their soles... ;)
ReplyDeleteOMG! I've never seen this before! This is so heartwarming! So sweet! I love them so much.
ReplyDeleteThey announced at the concert here in Vegas back in November that they had reached the 50,000 pair goal. Amazing. This is one of the main reasons I love and support the band.
ReplyDeleteme encanta este video, se nota que ellos hacen las cosas con el corazon estoy orgullosa de todo lo que hacen...I love them
ReplyDeleteI cried just watching this vid on the bottom post and this clip! It's amazing what these guys have done and are continuing to do... the idea of the Walks never hit me until I joined them in Toronto for it, and we trudged through snowbanks and slush and snow... I was so thankful for shoes... it hit me then... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, BOYS!
ReplyDeleteI can actually say that I don't mind Hanson anymore...they are real good guys... I love what they are doing. :)
ReplyDeleteI am going online to buy some now!!! They are so cute and its for a great cause!
ReplyDeleteI love hanson's work! It's so great!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTOMS SHOES ROCK!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat cause man! Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeletethat is amazing. hanson is doing the damn thing aren't they?
ReplyDelete:) I love it!
ReplyDeleteThe motto "one for one" is amazing.
ReplyDeletecool. i want to take the walk with hanson in san francisco!
ReplyDeleteWow, now I'm impressed!! Seriously! And I'm NOT a Hanson-Fan... I mean everytime I met them they were EXTREMELY nice and down to earth, but this whole thing (the cause of taking "The Walk") REALLY impressed me and touched my heart! These guys are unbelievable and I totally understand why you guys love them so much! It's not my genre of music, but Hanson ROCKS!!
ReplyDeletethank you so much for posting this! I honestly did not know what to expect on the walk and this gives me a an idea. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteoh really id be afraid of getting glass in my foot...
ReplyDeleteTOMS shoes are way more expensive than other brands of shoes. I was looking at the website and one pair of shoes was around $42. If Hanson is only paying a dollar for each person, then its going to take forever to reach our goal. Those kids in Afira are more than happy with a pair of shoes from Biglots. Perhaps this is just a marketing strategy for both hanson and toms shoes.
ReplyDeleteThe $1 dollar donation for every person who walks with Hanson before their shows are different from the one in this video. They're recently doing that $1 donation for their "Walk Around the World Tour."
ReplyDeleteThis vid is from their "The Walk" tour where they had the goal along with TOMS to raise awareness and have enough shoes for a shoe drop for Africa.
We live in a marketing kinda world.Companies and brands have always attached themselves to positive social responsibility within their communities.
I always wondered what happened to Hanson. Mmm Bop!
ReplyDeleteI saw another really cool video about TOMS Shoes and saved it in my 'favorites.' I think they're a wonderful organization!
Hanson is doing a wonderful thing and providing a pair of shoes to kids in need does help a lot. Hanson is a wonderful group and only one of the few that really care about issues in other places and are really passionate about helping and giving what they can away. Hanson is amazing for doing that. I love you guys, keep up the great work.
ReplyDeletePLEASE COME TO ARIZONA
that's ridiculous, what could a child do with "political education" if it hasn't got any basic things we take for granted, like shoes or food :-S
ReplyDeleteAnd don't you think your life would be a LOT harder if you didn't have any shoes?
Are you kidding Janelle!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAt least they are doing something to help
YES! They're doing such an awesome job! I wish that more people would do this kind of thing, starting a grassroots movement and following through. They ought to be getting serious coverage for this, why aren't they? I'm Walking when they come to Tulsa.
ReplyDeleteDifferent people find different ways to contribute to society. this is just ONE WAY providing for just ONE SIMPLE NEED and these walks urge others to find that way...like I said in my previous reply comments:
ReplyDeleteThese Walks do a great job of raising awareness to the cause while also getting people to think about poverty and health issues as well as OTHER issues you may be concerned about. and how easy and simple it can be to do our little part to turn things around.
You have to start with the basics. How is a kid who doesn't have enough to eat (or a pair of shoes) gonna think about going to school and getting educated? Survival comes first, we can't fix everything all at once. It's a start, and everything that becomes big, that makes a difference, started small. Think about it.
ReplyDeletebut see, they're not TRYING to say that giving a child a pair of shoes is going to fix everything. They're just trying to inspire people to get out and do SOMETHING. They're purposely DOING little things instead of big ones to show that doing something little is better than doing nothing at all.
ReplyDeleteso much of the time, people feel like if they're going to do something to help poverty, they need to do something huge like give tons of money or donate tons of time, and then they feel overwhelmed at the idea of having to do something so big so they end up not doing it at all. So what Hanson is trying to say is that you shouldn't be daunted by the idea of charity- doing something little is a great start. And as teacake17 said very well, you have to start with the basics anyway.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing that with us ;)
ReplyDeletethank you for posting this. I wanted to emphasize on TOMS because ultimately we want there to be a lot of shoes for their shoe drop. These Walks do a great job of raising awareness to the cause while also getting people to think about poverty and health issues. It's also a great motivator to think about other issues I was concerned about and how easy and simple it can be to do our little part to turn things around.
ReplyDeleteand yeah. I'm working on sending my video :)
Thanks for watching.
this is a great cause. im buying a pair tomarrow :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ8c5QWsCRQ&feature=related
ReplyDeletegreat video on toms...
i got 2 pair of toms where doin a thing at church and i think its awsome
ReplyDeleteGiving away free shoes is a nice thing, but in the bigger picture, maybe helping them set up a factory by and for the community will give them something to live off and maintain over time - give them pride of self reliance instead of being on the receiving end of charity. Aid and charity are a scarey thing! It looks lovely on the outside but we end up breeding generations of dependency rather than innovation and self reliance.
ReplyDeleteimagine what companies like nike could do, but they just dont. You guys are giving more than an example....its an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHey good job , help the one who need it , like the third world country , thank u for your generosity and good idea to help with shoes
ReplyDeleteKeep it up!
I'm from Argentina and I grew up wearing that type of shoe, it's called ALPARGATA, they're comfortable and cheap, yet represent our culture. I think what TOMS is doing is great. The economic situation in my country is a mess and it makes me so happy to see someone actually doing something, someone who wasn't asked to do it, someone who could be making a lot of money out of it but instead decided to help out others. May God bless Blake and his company.
ReplyDeleteI work in the "non-profit industry", so to speak, and last week I had the amazing oppurtunity to meet Blake Macoyski. Never have I encountered someone who's heart's desire is more sincere than Blake's. TOMS shoes is one incredible organization and we are all so lucky to be able to care for the children of the world through TOMS.
ReplyDelete:) Go buy some.
the shoes are beautiful and confortable, and for a great cause
ReplyDeleteBuy Tom's Shoes they are great and help great kids. I have two pairs keep it up Tom!
ReplyDeleteYes, you could donate the entire portion of the cost you'd spend on the shoes to the organization, but we all buy shoes. So why not buy shoes that are also going to benefit someone else? Also, by wearing them, you're publicizing for the charity.
ReplyDeleteI think it is an amazing thing. Thank you, Blake.
OMG I know that girl from UTSA!!! Sweet!
ReplyDeleteYour right children need education and better jobs to pull themselves out of poverty, but do you know that those children are not allowed to go to school because they dont have shoes??? when you dont have shoes and walking around bare foot you get infections, sores, and diseases which is why they cant go to school.
ReplyDeleteit's a show company. not a political education or foreign job training program. he's giving them shoes because that's what he makes.
ReplyDeleteyou're saying that if you didn't have any shoes, getting a pair wouldn't improve anything?
Thats a great idea. I think everyone should incorporate giving into everything they do. That is what will make this world a better place.
ReplyDeleteTo all of you cynics out there, saying that this is not going to "end poverty" or "help any of the children" I just have to say so what? This is a nice thing someone wanted to do and giving shoes to children who can't afford shoes is a great marketing incentive for other companies to donate time and energy to giving something back along the way.
ReplyDeleteSmall things like that are great, instead of patting someone on the back for doing something nice, we're complaining that he isn't "changing enough of the world" blah blah blah. I spent the summer in Africa building schools and working in hospitals and believe me when I say that the people who criticize those who make small differences are NEVER the ones who go out and make bigger ones.
ReplyDeleteHow do these shoes NOT help the impoverished? Feet are protected now from broken glass, other sharp objects and countless trash. Shoes are needed by many, and this fact is something often looked over by charities, organizations and such. Anything that can make these kids lives better are worth it. Even what seems so simple, really isn't, and I applaud anyone who strives to do what they can, especially Blake and one of his promotors, Hanson.
ReplyDeleteI bought a pair from Nordstrom recently to wear around the house. I thought it was great they donate shoes to kids.
ReplyDeleteGive a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a life time. Give a man a pair of shoes and he will run for a year. Give him work and he will buy his own shoes....for a lifetime.
ReplyDeletehave 2 pairs of Toms shoes they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned!!! The shoes not only make you feet feel good but your heart too. The Toms Hang bag that I have is the cutest, Many people have asked me where I got it..... I've been spreading the word about Toms and many people on my christmas gift list will be getting a pair of toms it nice to not only give to someone you love but also to someone in need.
ReplyDeleteWow reading some of these comments, it surprises me how negative people are. Toms shoes are helping more than you are, you say "give them food. or education. not shoes!" well I don't see you giving any effort into helping these kids. I bet they were ecstatic to get a pair of shoes. Tom's shoes is great. :D
ReplyDeleteI heard about this through Hanson and looked everywhere for these shoes because the cause is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI finally got a pair and they are the most comfortable shoes ever.
I'm so glad i bought them and I am grateful that TOMS shoes is making such a great effort and impact.
This is an incedible thing. Most people think of shoes being simply a fashion device, but in reality they are much more than that. The feet must be protected as a part of life; not only because of injuries, but also because of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and much more. This company has not only given these people protection for their feet, but the ability to walk places they probably wouldn't have before...due to the fact that it would hurt them.
ReplyDeleteshoes not war :)
ReplyDeleteWhen you don,t wear shoes you can have bad injuries!!!!My cousin who,s a dokter in Africa helped a child who had a piece of glas in his foot.so one have to start somewhere don,t you!!your governmenyt should be taken care of hia own people!!
ReplyDeleteso simple and so powerful. that is inspiring. how priviliged we are here in the developed world. God Bless everyone who helps with TOMS shoes. God Bless all those who receive their new beautiful shoes... wonderful.
ReplyDeleteabout 40% of the worlds population have never owned a pair of shoes. it really does make a difference.
ReplyDeleteBTW...saw the full short at the HollyShorts Monthly Screening last night. an absolutely courageous and wonderful thing you guys are doing.
ReplyDeleteTom's shoes - I think this is going to be the next great "Accidental Brand!" Thanks for letting me hear about it here, now I'm off to tell others!
ReplyDeleteIt's enough to motivate me to check out the product and see if they are comfortable, well made and worth the price. The cause is nice and might motivate me to buy one pair - but it will be the product quality and experience that motivates me to buy more than one pair.
ReplyDeleteWow this is a great idea - definitely inspiring. More people should build a brand based on this model. Amazing story.
ReplyDeleteI saw Tom's in an LA Times article last year, when they first lauched, and immediately ordered some for my daughter and I. She became addicted to Tom's and has worn through several pairs. Her friends came to love them, too. They buy plain ones and decorate them with lyrics, jokes, etc. The shoe itself has evolved to become more sturdy and comfortable. We loved the idea of giving and love the shoes.
ReplyDeleteI am so inspired by Toms!
ReplyDeleteI'm at Causecast and we just did a profile video of them. http://www.causecast.org/videos/2505
For the cause!
Here's a customer evangelism case study in the making: TOMS Shoes.
ReplyDeleteTOMS was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, a former contestant of "The Amazing Race" who was inspired by the low-cost alpargatas (espadrille-type shoes) during a trip to Argentina.
His idea was to bring alpargatas to the U.S. and give them a fashion makeover.
Blake was also struck by scenes of poverty in Argentina; so he launched TOMS based on the premise of giving away a pair of shoes to shoeless children in third-world countries for each pair he sold.
So far, he's sold 200,000 shoes and given away the same number. He's struck licensing deals with Ralph Lauren and distribution deals with all sorts of department stores and retailers like Whole Foods (where I first saw TOMS last month). Blake has also created an evangelistic following; one restaurant chain in New York outfits all of its servers with TOMS because of the cause.
TOMS Shoes has buzz for a variety of reasons, which include:
An uncommon product amidst of sea of commonality.
A simple, yet inspiring story that's easy to tell and therefore spread.
An accessible and well-spoken leader who'll tell the story to anyone who'll listen.
A strong culture of participation among employees and customers that's ingrained into the DNA of the company.
My TOM'S have little flowers all over them...they are just so amazing!
ReplyDelete