One Day Without Shoes is a global event designed to encourage people to go barefoot for a day to draw attention to the plight of children in developing nations who face injury, illness and missed opportunity because they don't have adequate protection.

TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie says that not having shoes puts kids at a heightened risk of injury, disease and infection. Among the soil-transmitted risks that most can't afford to prevent and treat are:

* Hookworm: Causes anemia, stunted physical and mental development and, on occasion, congestive heart failure. Affects up to one-fifth of the world's population.
* Podoconiosis or "mossy foot disease": Causes swelling of the feet and legs due to prolonged exposure to certain types of irritant soil.
* Chiggers: Bites on the feet and ankles from these mites can cause severe itching and hives.
* Tetanus: Potentially fatal infectious disease caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or other open wounds. Causes painful muscle spasms and locked jaw.

In addition, many schools in rural developing nations require students to have shoes to attend schools, so not having shoes is a roadblock to opportunity.

great post - I never find out about this kind of thing until after it's done, unfortunately. McMommy · 2011-04-05: 22:33

I've never heard of this day, but I would definitely take part in it over here, what a great cause and lesson. Congrats on the FP :-) Marzijapan · 2011-04-05: 22:36

Awwww, I didn't realize this could happen. You were a brave soul to go to work like this..I think we have an organization that sends shoes.. NellyBly · 2011-04-05: 22:46

Great post, hope your feet are OK. Congrats on a well deserved FP. joycephotography · 2011-04-05: 22:49

great post Felecia ilikethat · 2011-04-05: 23:01

Excellent post and beautiful feet mallusatish · 2011-04-05: 23:12

Great post to raise awareness of this cause! darfoster · 2011-04-05: 23:31

Cool, mom! Good for you! Unfortunately, I don't think they'd allow that at the bank...Cute gray polish too :0) ????? · 2011-04-05: 23:39

Nice post and good reportage, I wish I could have went barefoot today, I really hates shoes, well actually I hate socks but I have to be civilized to work mystic1 · 2011-04-05: 23:39

Great post and sacrifice! And OMG.... I missed your PF. Lead me to it, please! RayNvb · 2011-04-05: 23:40

Just great to see these types of posts and something we can all get into. Nicely done. smbunation · 2011-04-05: 23:55

thanks for sharing slowpete · 2011-04-06: 02:13

Felecia - what a great post and worthy cause. Such an imprtant message to hear. Hey, I really like that nail color.!! Mind if I ask what color??? ;-)))) lol! danrav · 2011-04-06: 05:07

Thanks for sharing. Great Post to bring awareness! Check out Soles for Souls.com rdg23 · 2011-04-06: 07:58

What a worthy cause....and you've created a great picture to illustrate. Thanks for sharing this important information, Felecia..... lookagain · 2011-04-06: 09:09

:-) wfrnk · 2011-04-06: 09:23

Now at fist i saw the title and picture and the words above the pic and thought.....hmmmmm Feebs has finally lost it... Then i read what you wrote after the pic and awwww you such i trooper...alittle nuts but a trooper....now put those shoes back on before you catch a cold.... ;o)) Wonderful post.......................................... and nail polish........................................... ;o)) MARETKA88 · 2011-04-06: 10:13

awesome, not just the pic but the cause~ well done urmysunshine · 2011-04-06: 10:14

eehehehe did you lost them in the sea :p kidding! onlyricky · 2011-04-06: 12:59

What a great idea - good for you! :-) girafferacing · 2011-04-06: 13:36

I have never heard of this, very interesting! Eiram · 2011-04-06: 16:13

Interesting - haven't heard of this! Would definitely take part in it if I had known. Good learning experience for everyone. beeacooker · 2011-04-06: 17:09

Good for you !! finbarr · 2011-04-06: 17:13

This is a worthful and lovely tribute. Unchained · 2011-04-06: 19:50

Really interesting post! Thanks for sharing this idea. DancingDolphin · 2011-04-07: 14:15

Wow...never heard of this! How interesting. juliearnold93 · 2011-04-08: 11:15

Look at those cute toes! As a fairly hardcore barefooter, I do see shoes as necessary nearly as much as the average joe. But then again, no one ever accused me of being average. Once your feet get tough you can handle just about any surface. I regularly do a seven mile hike in local mountains-over some fairly steep and tricky terrain. And yes I do it without shoes! You'll laugh at my hobbit feet when I get there, Feebs! 365edgar · 2011-04-08: 22:26

great tribute Felicia.:) I know about TOMS shoes initiative as well. In our country there are so many kids without shoes or even slippers. I am happy to say that our family has donated all our old shoes and slippers to a bunch of streetchildren in an orphanage. I hope their feet are warm now.:) lyricalthoughts · 2011-04-09: 02:42