oneforone-banner — One for One Movement
Photo Credits: http://www.toms.com/our-movement

After reading a recent post from Ernest Li on TOMS‘s social enterprise, he mentioned one of the key founding principles that TOMS was built upon: providing shoes to children. As an owner of a pair of green corduroy TOMS, I support the “One for One” movement and I think that social entrepreneur, Blake Mycoskie had a beautiful vision when we envisioned that what the world needed was for people to make “everyday choices that improve the lives of children”.

The social value that Blake Mycoskie creates is empowerment. He empowers children to be engaged participants of their community by first, helping them achieve a basic physical need. By having healthy feet and protected shoes to wear, these children can be active and youthful without worrying about catching diseases, getting cuts, and furthermore, they are able to go to school with a complete student uniform. The social value created through the One for One movement means that are one step closer to reaching their full potential.

Some may argue that the price of the shoes, $50-$60 CND is relatively high compared to other shoes of its kind. However, there is a charitable aspect attached to the purchase that many are willing to make the donation. The overall effect on consumers is that they achieve a sense of philanthropy and a new pair of trendy, comfortable shoes.

The overall benefits to society is happy consumers, healthy children and happy feet all around the globe!

Although this quote addresses only females, I believe that it fits well for everyonet:

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”-Marilyn Monroe

w-green-cord-classics-s-fa12 — Green Cord Woman Classics
Photo Credits: http://www.toms.com/womens/classics?view=all

CSR Initiatives based on the Honda Philosophy — Image from: http://world.honda.com/CSR/concept/activities/

In a recent lecture about corporate social responsibility, we read that corporations are becoming increasingly aware that practicing business sustainability (ie. Sustainable suppliers, organic products) and creating value for customers is no longer optional. Corporations who wish to be successful in the 21^st century must move with the “green wave” and focus on environmental stewardship in order to maintain competitive advantage in a continually improving society. However we also read that it is still optimistic to believe that businesses have abandoned their “pure profit-maximizing” philosophies altogether as many CEOs still believe that “if your key stakeholders believe in environmental concerns, then it is the right thing to do for your business.”

Following this wave, I read in a recent article in the Globe and Mail which highlighted Honda’s efforts to become more socially responsible. Earlier this month, Honda launched its CSR Statement and CSR website in North America. The website outlines Honda’s dedication to four main pillars: environment stewardship, valuing diversity, community involvement and fostering education. The website includes blogs for each pillar which aims to include consumers in the conversation about what Honda’s CSR initiatives. A post under the Community blog showed that Honda was going to make a dollar per dollar donation to the Hurricane Sandy relief matching each dollar donated by its employees.

Although environmental and social stewardship is positive for our society, I believe that such actions need to be sustained over a long period of time and relevant to a corporation’s practices. For example it wouldn’t make very much sense if Apple Inc. donated to building a playground. A better choice would be to donate to youth innovation projects.