Most people are familiar with the company TOMS, which was created with the desire to help those in need. Every purchased pair of shoes is matched by the company and donated to a child in need. So far they have been able to provide 60 million pairs of shoes to children in need, and 400,000 pairs of eyewear to people in need. As the company continues to evolve so does their community support around the world. To support this company means to support those in need.
How do you believe the company conducts business in a socially responsible way? Support your answer by discussing specific examples.
TOMS mission is to donate a pair of shoes every time a pair is purchased. Since 2006 they have donated over 60 million pairs of shoes to children in need! TOMS even works hard to ensure the donated shoes are the appropriate footwear for the environment and terrain in which these children live.
In 2011 TOMS launched TOMS eyewear. The goal from this launch was to provide sight to those that can not afford glasses or contacts. Since 2011 TOMS have restored sight to more than 400,000 people in need over 13 countries. The TOMS eyewear launch has also sparked thousands of jobs in these 13 countries. These jobs include basic eye training for local people in the 13 countries Toms donates eyewear too.
In 2014 TOMS began their journey to provide clean water to people in need. They have since provided 335,000 weeks of clean water in 6 different countries! When someone purchases TOMS coffee they donate 140 liters of safe drinking water which equivalents 1 entire week of clean water for someone.
In 2015 TOMS launched their “safer birth” goal. Since then TOMS has provided safe birth services to over 25,000 women! Every bag purchased from TOMS donates a bag full of safe birthing supplies and training to a women in need.
Has the company ever been involved in any incidents in which they were accused of not conducting business in an ethical or socially responsible manner?
When it comes to TOMS, whether the brand is ethical or not is based on opinion. While their mission remains community centric, it is important to for consumers understand that TOMS is a for profit company. They do not put all of their profits into giving for those in needs. In my opinion, I believe they are an ethical company. They have kept their word and have donated the proper amount based on what they promised. No matter what when you purchase TOMS products you are helping someone in need. Even if you’re helping just a little, it is better than not helping at all.
Do you feel the company is “green” for profit or “green” for the environment?
I would say TOMS is both, but mainly green for the environment. They have proven that despite how large and successful they grow, they continue to implement new and improved ways to help people and the environment around the world. A company requires profit to support their operating expenses. So yes like all companies they make a profit off of their sales, but very few give back the way TOMS does.TOMS does not just do the bare minimum to help those in need, they put a lot of care into catering to their needs.
References
Toms. (n.d.). The TOMS Story | TOMS®. Retrieved April 13, 2020, from https://www.toms.com/about-toms
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