TOMS + Element fulfill the One for One promise on a unique Shoe + Board Drop in South Africa
This past October, a crew of TOMS and Element employees, passionate volunteers, a Chief Shoe Giver, and a pro skater embarked on a Shoe Drop very far from home to fulfill the promise of a unique collaboration.
In February of 2009, two like-minded SoCal companies, TOMS Shoes and Element Skateboards, came together to create a limited edition line of TOMS Shoes and a One for One skateboard. This was the first time TOMS collaborated with another brand on a One for One product and the audience responded with overflowing positivity. After the shoes and the boards quickly sold out, the pieces of the Shoe + Board Drop in South Africa began to come together.
Volunteers were accepted, sweepstakes winners were chosen, employees scheduled the time off. Shoe Drop locations were confirmed, itinerary packets were drafted, and excited emails were sent around.
Mid-October, the pack boarded planes and met halfway around the world in Durban, South Africa. The following days were spent giving shoes and skateboards to children in need at Element’s Indigo Skate Camp in the Valley of 1,000 Hills, at primary schools, and youth centers.
The hospitality and compassion shown by each child was the most genuine “thank you” we could have asked for. In the midst of a high energy, beautifully chaotic Shoe Drop, you couldn’t help but look around and think, “This is what it’s all about.”
As one of the ways TOMS gives shoes to children in need around the world, a TOMS Shoe Drop is a special experience and the Shoe + Board Drop was an awesome opportunity made possible by many amazing people at TOMS and Element.
To see a gallery of photos and videos from the TOMS + Element Shoe + Board Drop, visit Element’s site or the TOMS Facebook Page.
Chapter 1: A beautiful adventure awaits...
Chapter 2: Oh boy! We're goin' to South Africa!"
