My first full day going barefoot was quite a challenge. But what was most inspiring were the messages of support that came from people all over Canada. I want to share some of them with you because I feel that this movement is going to grow throughout the week.
Megan E. Murray looked me up on Facebook and sent me this very nice message: “I saw you yesterday on CBC Sunday, and your brilliant mind brought tears to my eyes. You are a true inspiration, and it motivated me to address the lack of recycling in the community where I teach & encouraged my school community to take off their shoes.”
Those like Megan are the exact kind of people I’m trying to reach: individuals who are deeply concerned about the injustices in the world and want to do something about it. The interview she was referring to was a television talk I had on Sunday. I’d like to think I was the first person to do a CBC interview without shoes!
I received another letter from a young girl in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Five year-old Gabrielle Arpin wrote: “Today I walked barefoot at my school all day and my two moms were very proud of me. My teacher Anna decided to be barefoot, too. Latisha also took off her socks and shoes. When my family came to pick me up my mom was barefoot, too.”
Sounds great, Gabrielle. Keep on spreading the message!
Thanks to both Megan and Gabrielle for their fantastic support and activism. If you have a similar story, please send it my way! Email media@gobarefeet.com. I’d love to hear what you’re up to.
I’d also like to take the time to thank all those who helped kick off the initiative. I couldn’t have done it without your support. But the week has just begun, and we have to put in the extra effort to spread the message about the Barefoot Challenge to get as many people involved as possible.
Talk to you soon!
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
“Together We Can Make A Difference”