In conjunction with TOMS, University of New Haven’s Habitat hosted their annual One Day Without Shoes event April 29 in the Alumni Lounge. UNH Habitat is a student organization focused on providing volunteer opportunities to university students and improving the community.

TOMS Shoes, a for-profit company that designs and sells shoes based on an Argentinian design, started One Day Without Shoes seven years ago. When TOMS sells a pair of shoes, another is given to an impoverished child.

“One Day Without Shoes is the annual day when we take off our shoes to raise global awareness for children’s health and education,” states the TOMS website.

Originally, One Day Without Shoes was to take place on the Bartels Patio in the Academic Quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, due to the weather, the event was relocated in the Alumni Lounge in Bartels.

“I think it’s a really great way to raise awareness, and it’s such an important event on campus, so I’m glad they were able to have it despite the weather,” said sophomore Kaitlin Mahar.

Free t-shirts were given to the first 100 people, and there were multiple chances to win gift cards, including one for TOMS products.

“The event was a good way to celebrate One Day Without Shoes. We didn’t have the turn out we usually do because the event was moved to the Alumni Lounge, but the participants we did have had a great time,” said Katelyn Clark, UNH Habitat’s Sargent-at-Arms. She explained the event usually takes place on the BSAC Patio, which garners much foot traffic, but the Alumni Lounge is more tucked away.

“UNH Habitat and the co-sponsors of the event had a great time and we look forward to holding the event again next year,” Clark added.

The event was co-sponsored by SCOPE, EMS Club, PCMA, WNHU and the Photography Club.