One Day Without Shoes 2012

I discovered this organization a couple of days ago and being the hippie that I am, I didn't think it would be too difficult for me. I hardly ever wear shoes lol, especially in the summer. I told my husband about this and he thought it was silly because it wouldn't be a challenge for me. But that's not the point of this organization. Its to get conversation started.

All around the world, children are going about their lives EVERYDAY without shoes.

This may not seem like that big of a deal right? Except that lots of these children don't live in places with asphalt and cement, like we do. The majority of these shoeless children live in third world countries, places where no one should be barefoot.

Especially not a child. 

Here are some disturbing examples:
*In the Philippines, there are 30,000 people living on a landfill without shoes and are exposed daily to broken glass, syringes and other filth.
*In Kenya, there are 1,890,000 cases of jiggers in children. Jiggers are burrowing fleas that cause painful infections. Shoes can prevent this.
*In total, all around the world there are over 300 million children who are shoeless.







On April 10th, this organization asks you to simply take your shoes off FOR A WHOLE DAY. While you are at your house, when you drive in your car, at school, at the store, in the bank, and at work. Wherever you plan on going for that day, you should do it barefoot. This is not only to get you to realize what its like to live without shoes, but it raises awareness to those around you. People will see you barefoot and when you explain to them why, it opens up their eyes to things they might not be aware of. Because really, honestly, how many other people are thinking about shoeless children on a day to day basis? Not too many, unless they are personally affected by it.

Now I have been to the Facebook page and have heard both sides of this. I have heard from the people who think its pointless and silly. They say that not wearing shoes does nothing for anyone but the company who is promoting it. But I have also heard from the people who maybe weren't so aware of the shoe problem and always threw their shoes away when they were old, instead of donating them. These people are now thinking about donating all their shoes and maybe even some of their money to shoeless people.

I think this is a great organization with a good heart. I urge you to check out their website and to participate with us! Its time to walk in someone else's shoes feet! :D