TOMS Shoes is a popular company in the United States that operates under the motto “One for One” — for every one pair of shoes that is purchased, the company donates one pair of shoes to a child in need. Their hope is that the world can be changed one pair of shoes at a time. Why shoes? Many children around the world are unable to attend school without adequate footwear and many diseases can be contracted from going without shoes over a long period of time.

 

Every year, TOMS shoes sponsors an event called “One Day Without Shoes” where they challenge people to go without shoes in order to raise awareness about this global issue. On an average day, it is uncommon to see people without shoes in public places and at work; those who work for TOMS have created this event with the hope that curiosity will lead to conversation which will lead to global change.

 

This year One Day Without Shoes is taking place on Thursday, May 21st. I have invited the students to participate in the classroom. During Project, we have discussed empathy versus sympathy and how everyone can make small, but positive changes in the community. It is easy for students to think that they are too young to make a change; my goal is to convince your child that each person CAN make a difference.

 

No child is obligated to participate. I understand that for health and safety reasons, your child needs to be wearing shoes in the bathroom, cafeteria, around the school, etc. Please send your child to school wearing sandals for this reason. Students will only be permitted to go without shoes in the classroom. Before allowing you child to go without shoes, I want to get your permission. 

 

In collaboration with the Religion Department, we will also be collecting shoes to donate to Projeto Tenis na Lagoa and Basquete Cruzada in Leblon. If you have any shoes at home that are still in good condition, but no longer fit, please consider sending them to school to donate. 

We will be collecting donations until Friday, May 29th.

 

Thank you!!