It’s that time. National Go Barefoot Day!
National Go Barefoot Day is observed on June 1. This day is an opportunity to kick off your shoes and run barefoot through the cool grass! More importantly, it is a day to help support a charity that provides millions of underprivileged children all around the world with shoes.
How to help
If you are like me, maybe there are a few pairs of hiking boots, shoes, and sandals that you don’t wear anymore. Now is a good time to clean out your closets and donate a pair or two of gently used shoes to a charitable organization in your area or see the following for information: Soles4Souls organization. #GoBarefootDay
History
National Go Barefoot Day was created by the people at Soles4Souls. The holiday got its start after the Tsunami disaster in 2004 to support those affected by the event. However, donations have continued to come in and over 19 millions of pairs of shoes have been donated worldwide since 2005.
Environmental Sustainability
Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of textiles per person per year.The EPA estimates only 15% is donated or recycled. We keep shoes and clothing out of landfills and instead provide opportunity to thousands of entrepreneurs.
Health
In many developing nations, walking is the primary mode of transportation. Every day millions are exposed to unsanitary conditions that lead to diseases such as hookworm, threadworm and the dreaded Tunga Penetrans, or “jiggers”. These diseases may lead to sickness, even death. They also keep children out of school leaving them without an education and continuing the cycle of poverty.
Free Shoe Distribution
Since 2006 Soles4Souls has collected and distributed 26 million pairs of new shoes to those in need in 127 countries around the world and all 50 states in the U.S. Every day children are prevented from attending school, adults are unable to work. Walking becomes unbearable. A new pair of shoes provides relief today so thousands can succeed tomorrow.