The Blue Feet Foundation is a non-profit sock company founded by two kid brothers. Together, they sell bright blue socks to help fund research for the Blue-Footed Boobie. It all began in 5th grade, when Will Gladstone learned about a wacky bird called the Blue-Footed Boobie.
The funny name was given for its bright blue feet and lack of fear for humans. The people who first discovered them found this lack of fear for anything absolutely bonkers (also known then as a boob), thus the word “boobie” at the end.
These goose-sized, friendly birds are found on arid, tropical and subtropical islands off the Pacific coast of South America and have steadily been declining in population. The birds’ numbers have dropped more than 50 percent in less than 20 years. Researchers speculate that a lack of sardines, a source of food for the birds could be to blame. Habitat loss and egg collecting also threaten the species.
After learning about their endangerment in class, Will was so worried about this curious, clumsy bird that he wanted to do something to help them. He wondered how he could raise money for the cause and then came his great idea.
Inspired by the blue feet of the bird he thought, why not sell bright blue socks to spread awareness! To make a short story even shorter, he put his dream into action and started his own business, with the help of his family of course.
Will and his younger brother Matty are now business partners at The Blue Feet Foundation. Since they’ve started, the brothers have sold more than 20,000 pairs of socks, shipping them to 18 countries and 47 states and have raised over $150,000.
With all the proceeds going to Blue-footed Boobie Research. Wills’ 5th grade teacher, hopes that someday the lesson of the blue footed booby will have a happier ending, thanks to Will and Matty’s effort.
The boys hope to go out of business eventually too- Meaning the birds are well and thriving. It’s so inspiring to see such young people care and take real action to save our earth and its creatures.
These brothers are the youngest CEO’s I have featured yet but I hope they won’t be the last. Hats off to these kids, they really are the light on the horizon of our future.
You can support the Blue-Footed Boobie at BlueFeetFoundation.com
and be sure to follow them on Instagram @TheBlueFeetFoundation
If you like good socks, you’ll LOVE Comrad Compression Socks
Until next time…
Erin
xoxo
Watch this cool video of Will talk about The Blue Feet Foundation
