Giffords Applauds TOMS for Joining the Fight to Address America’s Gun Violence Crisis
November 20, 2018 — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Captain Mark Kelly, applauded TOMS Shoes for joining the push to demand safer gun laws in America.
Statement from Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly:
“It’s our responsibility as a society to keep our children safe. Every child deserves to feel safe at home, at school, and in their neighborhood. Tragically, that’s not the reality in our country today. TOMS Shoes is joining us in the recognition that it’s time to change that. They know that when people from all walks of life come together to speak up and demand solutions, a safer future is possible. We are proud of the remarkable team at TOMS Shoes for leading by example and proving that everyone has a role to play in the fight to save lives from gun violence. We’re honored to partner with them and look forward to working with them to raise awareness about this critical issue.”
To launch the campaign, TOMS will invest $5 million into organizations across the country that are committed to addressing the complex nature of gun violence through various tactics including programming in communities of color, mental health, research and policy, suicide prevention, and more. TOMS will call on their customers and all Americans to take a stand to support organizations working towards an end to gun violence. Americans can use technology available on the TOMS website to urge their Members of Congress to take immediate action on this issue by passing universal background checks, which over 90% of Americans support. By visiting TOMS.com people can easily write and send postcards to their representatives and voice their support for change.
Today’s announcement from TOMS Shoes is the latest example of the growing trend of American businesses coming out on the side of gun safety. Despite political gridlock stalling progress in Congress, American companies have stepped up to respond to the ongoing toll America’s gun violence crisis takes – including companies that have cut ties with the NRA and implemented policies that have raised the age to purchase guns and ammunition to 21 or stopped the sale of assault-style rifles.
Fortune: Levi Strauss CEO: Why Business Leaders Need to Take a Stand on Gun Violence
NPR: One By One, Companies Cut Ties With The NRA
New York Times: Walmart and Dick’s Raise Minimum Age for Gun Buyers to 21
ABC News: Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO on decision to no longer sell assault-style rifles: ‘We don’t want to be a part of this story’
Washington Post: NRA boycott: REI, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, stop selling major outdoor brand with NRA ties
CNN: L.L. Bean raises minimum age for gun purchases to 21
Daily News: Kroger is latest U.S. chain to stop selling guns to patrons under 21
Wall Street Journal: BlackRock, a Shareholder in Gun Makers, Ramps Up Pressure on Gun Industry