When I think of buying new shoes, I always remember my mother mashing around for my big toe. "Why are you doing that?" I would grumble. She would simply respond, "To make sure they fit."
Growing up, I hated getting new shoes. Every summer, in lieu of school, my parents would force me to try on pair after tiresome pair. Sandals, sneakers, dress shoes… It felt endless and silly. Why couldn't I just go barefoot?
But to millions of kids around the world, my childhood ingratitude would be shocking. For them, new shoes are, sadly, an unfamiliar luxury. In impoverished nations, children are forced to either wear shoes many sizes too small, or go without.
Because of this, over two billion people suffer from soil-transmitted diseases. However, thanks to one compassionate man and his incredible invention, all of that is about to change.
To see the joy a simple pair of shoes can bring, be sure to watch the video below. Their radiant smiles warmed my heart.
Please SHARE if children everywhere deserve health and happiness!
Because International – The Shoe That Grows in Action from Tobin Rogers on Vimeo.
Around the world, more than 400 million children live in extreme poverty. Because of this, many suffer without a very basic need: a decent pair of shoes.
In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, roughly 20 million children go barefoot everyday. Cuts and scrapes on the bottom of their cracked soles invite parasites and infection — often leading to a need for amputation and sometimes even death.
The shoes that children do own come from international donations. However, most were outgrown long ago — and without money, families are unable to provide new ones. But one man and his beautiful organization are striving to change all that...
Kenton Lee, Executive Director of Because International, has invented something miraculous that could transform little lives everywhere: "The Shoe That Grows."
The design, though simple, is revolutionary: With just three adjustable sections, shoes can now grow as children do. The material is durable, breathable, and protective.
The first section that can be adjusted is the toe. With five holes, it can see kids through five years of growth.
Second, the sides can be expanded, so as their little feet grow wider, so can their shoe.
Finally, the heel can be adjusted with an expandable strap. With just one $10 donation, a child can walk, run, and play without pain or disease.
But shoes are important for more than just health. In many schools, shoes are a required part of children's uniforms. Without them, they're unable to attend.
Now, thanks to the remarkable ingenuity and hard work of Because International, impoverished kids can pursue their education free of shame and discomfort.
And although kids' feet grow very fast (as any parent can attest to), these remarkable shoes are able to keep up. With just two sizes, small and large, a child's feet will be protected from kindergarten to ninth grade.
Thanks to Kenton and his team, "The Shoe That Grows" is spreading joy all across the globe.
The mission of Because International — to spread "practical compassion" — has come alive.
Hopefully their inspiring will only continue to grow, just like their revolutionary shoes.
To see "The Shoe That Grows" in action, be sure to watch the video below! Please SHARE to spread the word!
If you'd like to provide a child with shoes, click here. For just $10, you can change a life.
