Once the need has been identified, it is then addressed by developing a desirable product worth purchasing and carefully selecting experienced and respected giving partners. And what began in 2006 by TOMS Founder Blake Mycoskie has now evolved into the exciting next chapter of One for One. Blake was originally inspired by a trip to Argentina, where he saw extreme poverty and health conditions and children without shoes. He recognized that the traditional Argentine alpargata shoe could be a simple, yet revolutionary solution. To realize this mission, Blake made a commitment to match every pair of TOMS purchased with a pair of new shoes to a child in need. "I was so overwhelmed by the spirit of the South American people, especially those who had so little," Mycoskie said. "And I was instantly struck with the desire - the responsibility - to do more." This need to help and to give even more crystallized in 2007 when Blake realized that the TOMS business model could address other needs he had witnessed during his travels. He and a team soon set out to learn as much possible about how TOMS could help by focusing on an entirely new basic need around the world. Eyewear is the first step in this new chapter of TOMS. We started here because sight is a fundamental need, and being able to give sight has a dramatic impact on a person's life. And Thanks to the millions of supporters around the world, TOMS Eyewear launched in 2011. For so many, the idea of One for One remains as meaningful as ever.
