One Day without Shoes charitable event

Flagler’s Legacy advised local Historic City News reporters that they, and Goldfinch Boutique, will be co-hosting a “One Day without Shoes” event on Tuesday, April 5th, at 5:00 p.m.

The event will begin at the Flagler College Gazebo and will continue at Goldfinch Boutique.

“One day Without Shoes” is an annual worldwide event where participants pledge to go one day without shoes to raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life.

Blake Mycoskie is an American traveler who wanted to help children he befriended in a village in Argentina; after he discovered that the children had no shoes to protect their feet. He created TOMS Shoes, a company that promised to match every pair of shoes purchased with a new pair of shoes for a child in need.

Samantha Palmer, director of retail operations and historical tours at Flagler’s Legacy, said that she is a staunch supporter of TOMS Shoes and the company message.

“Participating in the walk is an awesome way for Flagler’s Legacy to network with other downtown businesses to support a bigger cause,” she said. “We hope to see a lot of walkers from the college and the community.”

Flagler’s Legacy will be providing free t-shirts and other items from the store for a raffle, to be held at the event, and Palmer has been involved with organizing the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the college to participate in the demonstration.
Palmer will bring “mock-up terrains” from several countries – so participants can feel for themselves what it is like to travel barefoot under those conditions.

Steve and Amy Fitt, owners of Goldfinch Boutique, said that they are hoping the event will inspire the local community to reach out to children in need.

“Our hope is, that together, we can provide more shoes for the children who need them,” Steve Fitt said. “We’re co-hosting this barefoot walk because we want to inspire people in the community to think of ways they can reach out and help others in need.”

Co-owner, Amy Fitt, said that, “The idea is that people walking without shoes will spark curiosity, leading to conversation, which we believe leads to action and change.”

Participants in the event will walk barefoot from the Flagler Gazebo to the Goldfinch Boutique. Once there, participants will enjoy free food and live music, while local community and Flagler student artists will style TOMS Shoes.

Fitt said that participants are encouraged to bring signs, posters, banners and most of all, enthusiasm.

For more information about the event, please call Goldfinch Boutique at (904) 827-0749