When it comes to spreading awareness, every voice (and foot) counts; and we are amazed and excited by how many individuals have pledged to hop on board for this upcoming One Day Without Shoes. As we continue to remind, we’re all in this together, BUT who doesn’t love some friendly competition in the name of a good cause?!

That’s why we’re hosting the Barefoot Challenge, an invitational for big groups to compete head-to-head for the most barefoot pledges this April 10^th.

With the Barefoot Challenge for One Day Without Shoes, we ask that big groups pledge a small thing to raise awareness for the cause; and we’re ready to reward the winner with an exciting prize! The organization with the most barefoot pledges will win a visit from TOMS Founder and Chief Shoe Giver Blake Mycoskie.

Last year more than 1,200 groups of all sizes, from Southwest Airlines and Zappos.com to Indiana and Purdue Universities, took part in the Challenge, and we’re seeing lots of diverse groups already collecting support for 2012.

Our friends at AOL are bringing a big game to the Barefoot Challenge with a program called 100,000 Strong. They’re calling on friends, family, consumers and clients of AOL services to participate in the Barefoot Challenge on the AOL team and spread the word together. 

“Our partnership last year was a huge success, with more than 1,000 AOLers across the globe taking the pledge to go barefoot,” Blair Cobb, Senior Director of Cause Marketing, told us. “This year we hope to increase our impact by engaging not just our employees, but also our clients and users to join us in the barefoot action. “

Discovery Communications is equally pumped to rally their team for the cause.

"One Day Without Shoes is a powerful event and word is already buzzing [about the Barefoot Challenge],” David Shackley, CMO of the Discovery Channel, told us. “We are looking forward to supporting such a worthwhile cause."  

Discovery is encouraging all employees to make a pledge for the Barefoot Challenge, and are helping give them a reason to do so by planning really great events for April 10^th. They’re hosting a barefoot breakfast, screening the TOMS documentary “For Tomorrow,” and setting up barefoot walks for their US and international employees.

And then there’s Feed The Children, a TOMS Giving Partner that’s rallying their team to take the Challenge, and bringing a slightly different perspective.

“At Feed The Children, we work in many areas where having access to a pair of shoes could mean the difference between being able to attend school or being left out of the educational process,” said the team at Feed The Children. “Participating in One Day Without Shoes allows our employees to stand together in support of spreading awareness…”

And you can take part, too! There’s still time to rally your co-workers, friends and family to take the Challenge. For more information and to register, visit http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/challenge today!!