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Tom’s Shoes has made some amazing progress with their 1-for-1 cause. So much in fact that they have spread like wildfire on the retail front and are, reportedly, working on a “premier shoe” for higher-end markets ($75-150 USD). Like I was saying before, it seems to make things easier for people to help when they are getting something in turn for their buck. Take that as you will, but if that ultimately means that those in need will benefit more readily (and consistently), it’s doing its job and then some. 141 Eyewear seems to have adopted Tom’s 1-for-1 philosophy for the opposite end of the body – your eyes!
When I first checked it out, I was skeptical that they would be some bargain basement excuses for glasses – lazily strewn together and unbelievably fashion backward. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Kyle and Shu-Chu, the masterminds behind the specs, clearly have a passion for the field. The glasses reflect a conscious artistry and careful craftsmanship that would make most reconsider the $400 frames they just bought. Even moreso, these glasses can look great on anyone worldwide. And as much as that doesn’t sound like a major feat, I’m talking about spanning across not only global trend patterns, but also socioeconomic levels and climate conditions. They can be just as much about eye jewelry as much as they are about function. And that’s not an easy thing to do.
Considering the fact that my current frames can barely be considered glasses anymore after smashing them on the pavement during a fixed gear bike accident, these specs are right up there on my “must have” list for 2010.
“Every day, you make simple, critical choices. But it’s not everyday that your choice can necessarily make a difference. It’s not everyday that your choice will immediately change someone’s life. When you choose 141 Eyewear, we act on your behalf. For every pair of 141 Eyewear purchased, we give a new pair of prescription glasses to a person in need. No portions of proceeds. No percentages. You buy, we give. One Four One.”
Why Eyewear?
“What if you could not afford glasses? Would you be able to work? Read? Cook? Recognize your children? Would you be able to drive? How much would you be able to enjoy the things you cherish in your life?
According to the World Health Organization, 153 million people cannot see simply because they do not have access to corrective eyewear and/or cannot afford proper vision care. We have seen first hand what it is like for many of these children and adults to live without glasses. Children cannot see the blackboard clearly; as a result, they lose interest in school and hinder their chances of realizing their potential. For many adults, work is difficult to find and many everyday activities such as reading a book are not possible because these people simply cannot see clearly.
But…
When a child receives a pair of glasses, suddenly the blackboard becomes clear. Schoolwork gets better. Participation in extracurricular activities gets better. Life gets better. For adults, finding work is easier. Books and newspapers become readable. Faces of loved ones become recognizable. The ability to commute gets better. Life gets better.
Something as small as a pair of glasses has the power to change a person’s life and open up a whole new world of possibilities.” [Via 141 Eyewear]
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Nike Basketball has teamed with Mercy Corps and Architecture for Humanity with the hopes of raising money for Haiti. Nike Basketball’s designers worked with the children of Forest Park, Florida to create various designs that will be used on different t-shirts with the proceeds going to either the Mercy Corps or Architecture for Humanity. The t-shirts are $25 each and are available now on NikeStore.
