TOMS is online fashion retailer. But that’s the means to a noble end for the company. The end is to provide people in need.
TOMS is a not-for-profit, sustainable business that matches every purchase with a gift – not for the buyer, for someone who needs it. Buy a pair of shoes, for example, and TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a disadvantaged person. Since TOMS began in 2006, it has given more than 60 million pairs of shoes to those who needed them.
Since 2011, TOMS Eyewear has restored sight to over 400,000. Since 2014, TOMS Roasting Company has helped to provide more than 335,000 weeks of safe water. Since 2015, TOMS Bag Collection has supported safe birth services for more than 25,000 mothers.
Mycoskie’s One for One business model has inspired other global entrepreneurs to launch socially minded companies.
In 2009, Mycoski and TOMS received the Secretary of State’s 2009 Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE). Mycoskie was applauded by Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative University plenary session and featured by People Magazine in its Heroes Among Us section. TOMS Shoes was featured in the Bill Gates Time Magazine article, How to Fix Capitalism. And in 2011, Mycoskie was named on Fortune Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list.
He was recently asked to join Richard Branson’s B Team, a group of business leaders embracing sustainable business practices and is the author of best-selling book, Start Something That Matters.
The Cannes LionHeart is an honorary award, presented to an individual who has harnessed commercial brand power in an innovative way to make a significant and positive difference to people or the planet.
Terry Savage, chairman of Lions Festivals, explained why Blake Mycoskie deserves it, “Blake’s unstoppable passion and commitment has driven him to create a brand model that has made a positive impact on millions of people’s lives across the world. His vision to develop a new kind of conscious consumerism has transformed into a global movement. Blake’s ongoing achievements truly encapsulate the spirit of the Cannes LionHeart.”
Mycoskie commented, “It is incredibly special to receive the Cannes LionHeart award. I’m humbled and honoured that the TOMS movement has influenced so many and continues to inspire others to make a difference. Since TOMS began, we have given over 60 million pairs of shoes all over the world. This award not only belongs to me, but to all the many brilliant people working at the intersection of purpose and profit and to everyone that has helped share our mission along the way.”
Mycoskie will be presented with the LionHeart at the Cannes Lions Awards Ceremony on Saturday June 25.
