People worldwide will take off their shoes to spread awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life.

Loyola’s TOMS Campus Club encourages everyone to participate in the global event One Day Without Shoes on April 16.

This event was a success last year, and TOMS Campus Club is hoping for a similar outcome this year. Bonnie Hopkins, LUCAP’s project leader for the TOMS Campus Club, is very hopeful this event will spread awareness.

“People are going to notice,” she said.

This purpose of this event is to make a difference one step at a time. Walking barefoot for just one day can give insight to how poverty stricken children suffer on a daily basis. TOMS Campus club advocates for the principles of TOMS Shoes. This company matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.

Word is spreading quickly about this event and many LUCAP members are looking forward to experiencing the walk. Terri Zehyoue, criminal justice sophomore, is excited about spreading the TOMS message.

“When people ask questions, it creates awareness,” she said.

Freshman Jin Qiu Huang is active in LUCAP but feels that TOMS Campus Club is special. While living in Indonesia, she saw firsthand how heartbreaking it is to see children without shoes.

“We really take shoes for granted,” she said.

One step at a time, Loyola’s campus can make a difference to bring about social change.

Ashley Fruge can be reached at [email protected]