Statistics reveal a harsh reality: nearly half the global population survives on less than $2.50 per day. That’s over 3 billion people struggling to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. Among them, millions of children will never know the simple joy of owning a pair of shoes.

According to the World Health Organization, around 2 billion people—mostly children across more than 100 countries—suffer from soil-transmitted diseases, many of which can be fatal if untreated. These illnesses often prevent children from attending school, where uniforms are required but unaffordable for many families. Tragically, many children are forced into labor at a young age, but without shoes, foot injuries and infections hinder their ability to work and support their families.

A pair of shoes might seem like a small thing, but it’s a powerful solution to a widespread problem.