On April 8, TOMS Shoes is asking everyone to participate in the annual “One Day Without Shoes” event to raise awareness for the foot disease, Podoconosis, which effects 10 countries in tropical Africa, Central America and Northern India.
Although TOMS shoes is hosting the event in order to influence the public, Rider students can not participate in the event during school.
“I understand that this event interests many students and is participated in globally,” Principal Judy McDonald said. “However, not wearing shoes to school is hazardous and can lead to infection. Even though participants of TOMS are asked to not wear their shoes tomorrow, I ask that the students wear their shoes to school because of the number of health issues that are involved with not wearing shoes.”
The Wichita Falls Independent School District Student Handbook states that “Shoes are to be worn at all times. Shoes designed for strings or buckles must be fully laced/ fastened. Students shall not wear shoes that the principal determines to be a hazard to the safety of students or others on campus.”
“If students show up to school tomorrow without wearing appropriate shoes, they will be sent home or have a parent bring them shoes,” Assistant Principal Monte Thacker said. “If the students wants to show their support, they may make home-made TOMS shirts or wear their TOMS apparel.”
Junior Kyler Young wanted to participate in “One Day Without Shoes.”
“I want to participate to experience what it’s like to not have that privilege of wearing shoes,” Young said. “It will help me appreciate all I have while experiencing what it is like to walk in someone else’s “shoes” for a day.”
Podoconosis is caused by walking or working in silica-heavy volcanic soil. It is a debilitating disease that causes extreme swelling, repeated ulcers, and deformity; especially the legs. Podoconosis can be prevented by simply wearing a pair of durable shoes. When TOMS are purchased the company gives a pair of shoes to an underprivileged person.
“I hope that people will realize how lucky they are to have basic everyday essential such as shoes,” Young said.
“I own about 12 pairs of shoes while thousands of others around the world risk infection and disease everyday because of walking barefoot.”
Lucien Gagnon • Feb 19, 2019 at 9:09 am
Life is to precious for condoming yourself to a foot prison as shoes
I will never stop going barefoot I live in the country and been walking barefoot for long time all seasons and I go places that most people wouldn’t even go with shoes nature is kind when you have no fear
I trust life and I live according to nature law I am super healthy eat a raw fruit and green lefty vegetable diet and I drink my own water so what else can I do just go barefoot it’s natural
Life is to short to worry
I am grateful for life and I want to experience it not talk about it
Namaste
Lucien