image: TOMS has teamed up with the University of Miami’s popular R.J. Dunlap (RJD) Marine Conservation Program to help preserve an awe-inspiring and highly threatened group of marine animals: sharks. These vegan, limited edition Classics are lined with lots of shark silhouettes, and proceeds from each pair go to protect sharks and their environment. Plus, as always, with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.™ view more
Credit: TOMS
MIAMI – August 3, 2012 --TOMS has teamed up with the University of Miami's popular R.J. Dunlap (RJD) Marine Conservation Program to help preserve an awe-inspiring and highly threatened group of marine animals: sharks.
After experiencing an-eye-opening shark research trip, TOMS founder and chief shoe giver, Blake Mycoskie, was inspired by both the passion and cutting-edge research techniques used by RJD scientists to help track and save threatened sharks. That inspiration evolved into The Shark Shoe. These vegan, limited edition Classics are lined with lots of shark silhouettes, and proceeds from each pair go to protect sharks and their environment. Plus, as always, with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.™
"We are excited to be partnering with TOMS," said Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, University of Miami faculty member and director of the RJD Program. "Many shark populations have been decimated on a global scale due to destructive overfishing. As top predators, sharks play an important role in maintaining the health and balance of our oceans. This unique collaboration provides an unparalleled platform from which we can spread awareness of these important issues and engage mainstream audiences in a dialogue that supports marine conservation."
About TOMS:
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Since 2006, TOMS has given over two million pairs of new shoes to children in need through giving partners around the world. Since then, TOMS has evolved from a shoe company to the One for One company, and is now addressing an entirely new need around the world in addition to shoes through TOMS Eyewear.
About UM and the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program
The University of Miami (UM) is the largest private research institution in the southeastern United States. The University's mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in 2009, the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program is a joint program of the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and the Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. The Rosenstiel School offers one of largest, most comprehensive marine and atmospheric programs in the nation. The Abess Center encourages innovative interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge the gap between hard science and environmental policy. For more information, please visit www.rjd.miami.edu