TOMS: Where are they now?

Before I start this post, I just want to give a shout out to my good friend Mike for giving me this story idea. It truly inspired me and reminded me that helping those in need is one of the reasons I decided to become a journalist. I am so happy to get this chance to create awareness in how to help and am going to do what I can to really start implementing these ideas myself.

Now for the post...

So, TOMS. This company has been popular for some years now. What first started as a rumor that shoes can be donated, is now an expanding company whose shoes show up in key retail stores like Pacsun. However, common knowledge pretty much stops at shoes.

What are they up to now?

For one, their shoe styles have greatly expanded. Men and women can get everything from the regular TOMS to wedges, boots and wedding shoes.

There is another, more important way, that TOMS has expanded though. They are now fully operating in a "One for One Movement". Along with shoes, they now correct eye vision for free when a pair of sunglasses is bought and they correct water systems for communities when their coffee is purchased.

A few years ago the company was under a lot of fire for giving only shoes to those in developing countries because it injures that countries economy. As a result, that makes the citizens worse off. They were also under fire because a pair of shoes is not a permanent fix.

In 2013, TOMS effectively remedied the first critique. "TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie pledged that, by the end of 2015, TOMS would produce a minimum of one-third of all its giving shoes in places where the shoes are distributed to needy individuals".

To start this process, TOMS began manufacturing in Haiti at the beginning of 2014 with the goal of having 100 employees. According to their website, they are making shoes in Ethiopia, Kenya, Argentine and China as well.

An extensive look at their website also shows that TOMS has gotten rid of the second critique too. In offering vision repair and water fixes, they are creating a lasting, life-changing movement in every country they help.

"As sight is restored to individuals, they can return to school or work. Adults can contribute financially to the household and no longer require extra care. Additionally, patients become advocates, helping neighbors find eye care."

For each movement they explain the benefits and impact giving help has (even for shoes). For example, "approximately 90% of people who are blind or visually impaired live in developing countries". They correct sight in 12 of these countries with their supporting partner.

One of the most key attributes to their success is that TOMS does not donate these services on their own. For shoes, sight and water, they are partnered with organizations experienced in those arenas in developing countries. The partners are sought on how TOMS can help, what countries they should give to and how the services can be most effective.

"It is estimated that 1.8 billion people are drinking unsafe water. That's why we're partnering with Water for People to support water systems in 5 countries- the same countries we source our coffee beans from."

They also haven't forgotten that some people in their home country need help too. They are "bringing their story home". 



*I apologize for so many links. I wanted to make sure you have an easy way to get to all the information I found.*