National Go Barefoot Day is more than just an excuse to not wear shoes for a day. Every year many people go without the basic necessities—like proper footwear–that many of us take for granted. 1 out of 10 live on less than $2 a day, and 400 million of these individuals are children. For many, walking is the most common–and sometimes only–form of transportation available. Without a good pair of shoes, these people are exposed to harmful diseases and unsanitary environments, and oftentimes unable to go to school because in many countries, shoes are a requirement to attend. When they are unable to take part in getting an education, they are left to continue the cycle of poverty in their lives, and their families’ lives as well.
Soles4Souls is making an effort to end this cycle. Since this organization began in 2006, they have distributed over 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries and all 50 US states. By donating your new and used shoes to Soles4Souls, you can help make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Here at ELM Shoes, we have a Soles4Souls box in-store where you can drop off your new and used shoes, and help positively influence the lives of those in need.
In the spirit of, “Give a person a fish, they eat for a day; teach a person to fish and they eat for a lifetime,” Soles4Souls takes these shoes and gives jobs to many people in under-developed countries by allowing them to buy them at a price they can afford, and then give them the opportunity to repurpose and sell these shoes to others who need them more—at a price that they too can afford. Additionally, Soles4Souls provides training and support to these individuals, helping them to help themselves out of poverty, and in doing so teaching them how to create a better life for themselves and their families. With the money they earn from buying and re-selling these shoes, many people are able to send their children to school, and pay for food and adequate shelter. This opportunity gives individuals and their families the opportunity to not only survive, but thrive as well.
National Go Barefoot Day is a movement to help get the word out about the millions of people who go without shoes every single day, and encourage many to donate to give and spread hope around the world! On June 1st, join us on National Go Barefoot Day and help raise awareness for those living in poverty around the world.
Your Missing Sock,
@elmshoes #itfits