I was very reliably informed by a close friend of mine (who loves Manly almost as much as I do!) that approximately 6 million people (per year) walk the amazing Manly to Shelly Beach walkway!
And why on earth wouldn't you? It's our little piece of Positano-style Paradise right off our own back porch. Here's some of my amazing shots. So, why not treat yourself this weekend - step outside your front door and experience the spectacular walk that millions of people pay a fortune to travel to our beautiful backyard, each and every year to do... And remember just how lucky we are to live here :)
Can you go without shoes on April 5? It's an international day set aside to raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child's life, by taking off our own.
In many parts of the developing world, shoes are seen as a status symbol and can change a child's life. By donating 1 pair of shoes to a child in need in the third world for every pair purchased, TOMS shoes really knows how to make a difference. TOMS Shoes is the company behind One Day Without Shoes.
In many countries, children walk barefoot for miles to get to school, collect food or to seek medical help and millions of children are at risk or injury, disease or infection from soil-transmitted diseases. Most cannot afford medical treatment or prevention. This in turn impacts a child's ability to attend school and gain an education - which is a critical determinant of future success. In developing countries, healthy educated children can mean the difference between the survival or disappearance of an entire community.
The TOMS story is a pretty amazing and inspiring one, so I thought I'd share it with you:
One for One
TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS mission transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.
Giving Is Catching On...
The TOMS mission of giving shoes has attracted other brands, resulting in unique and successful collaborations. Ralph Lauren sold co-branded Polo Rugby TOMS, giving a matched pair with every pair sold. Element Skateboards has issued limited edition TOMS + Element shoes as well as a One for One skateboard. With every skateboard purchased, one will be given to a child at the Indigo Skate Camp in Durban, South Africa. It is TOMS’ hope that as our One for One movement continues to grow, more and more companies will look to incorporate giving into what they do.
The TOMS Story
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.
As of September 2010, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes to children in need through Giving Partners around the world.
In this day and age, it's ultra-refreshing to see a company who cares about people less fortunate than themselves, as much as they care about the bottom-line. Do you know of any other companies with such a positive social conscience?
