Say I’m a conscientious citizen of the world and I don’t mind wearing glamour-challenged shoes. Chances are I’ll be intrigued by TOMS Shoes, a California shoe company that donates a pair of its shoes to a third-world child every time I buy a pair for myself.
The colorful shoes are not for the average soccer mom or even college student, but they do carry a certain hipster charm. Add the feel-good factor to a pretty modest (by hipster standards) price – $34 for tots through $48 for men – and you’ve got the makings of a sustainable business.
As for credit unions, why not put 5% of a loan’s profit into a deposit at Kiva or MicroPlace? Granted, it would probably play better in Palo Alto than in Peoria, but can you spell e-a-r-n-e-d m-e-d-i-a?
Comments
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Ben, I’d rather buy glamorous shoes and send a check. Why does ‘good cause’ have to equate to ugly! With all the awesome programs out there to give back, people are receiving good things in return for giving good things. I think you have to marry the two to stay alive for very long. Otherwise it’s just a fading fad.
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