South Africa’s ‘Toms’ trials local producer
30/04/2019
With a similar business model to US brand Toms, Vosk donates a pair to a child in need for every pair bought and also supports the charity Samaritans Feet.
“The goal is twofold,” said Vosk founder Wesley Vos. “One, by purchasing a pair of Vosk shoes, we’ll give a pair of shoes to a child in need. Two, we understand that kids need moral support and inspiration to go with a pair of bright new shoes. So we do our best to give them both.”
He told specialist publication S&V Footwear that if they can begin to make the shoes in Durban rather than importing them from China, they will also help to create jobs and strengthen the economy.
Samaritans Feet was founded by Nigerian Emmanuel Ohonme, who was inspired by his own experiences as a child. He estimates there are 1.5 billion children around the world who go barefoot. The charity washes the children’s feet, offers support and gives them a pair of shoes.
He said: “Millions of children die every year from diseases such as Hookworm, tungiasis, Podoconosíose, and schistosomiasis. These diseases are transmitted through contaminated soil, wounds, insect bites and infections derived from bare feet. Two billion people are infected with these diseases in more than 100 countries. It is a worldwide epidemic and demands our attention and action.”
Vosk aims to start exporting to Europe and Africa this year or early next year.
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