TOMS Blog

A few months ago, TOMS partnered with the Do Lectures, a British conference for forward thinkers to commune over ways in which to create meaningful and sustainable business models for the good of the community. 

And a few months ago, Tim Griffiths was just a 23 year old student, working at a local computer retail shop, with with an interest in cycling adventures, technology, food, and coffee foam art. Until the fated day that he happened upon this blog post. The little wheels in his brain were set to overdrive. 

You see, ever since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Tim had been determined to go out and do his part to help rebuild the Haitian community. Quickly learning that enthusiasm was no replacement for expertise in the world of volunteering, he turned to his university for help, and before long, he was put in contact with a local group that received him. What his time in Haiti lacked in duration it made up for in substance. Tim was moved by the energy of the Haitian people, who were eager to get going on entrepreneurial adventures to help rebuild their community and local economy, but just lacked the resources to do so. 

Tim found himself back in the UK, overflowing with ideas, and the want to start something meaningful. But similar to his Haitian counterparts, he felt he lacked the resources. That’s when he entered to win the chance to attend the Do Lectures, a place that guides individuals to turn thoughts into actions. With no prior knowledge of film making or editing, he put together a video entry, submitted it, and… HE WON! 

“Without sounding too grandiose, I think that The Do Lectures may prove to be one of the most life changing experiences of my time. Too often we are surrounded by people who want to tell us we can’t do things, or that it’s not possible. At The Do Lectures, you are surrounded by people who had already done it! I left the Do Lectures with the belief that I could achieve my dreams and i have been working on this ever since.” - Tim

Tim’s experience, combined with his love for coffee and Haiti’s agricultural wealth and coffee bean industry, has brought him to a solid goal. In 10 years time, Tim hopes to have a physical space in Bristol, England, that will sell coffee from and support private Haitian farmers.

Tim, congratulations and full steam ahead! We can’t wait to hear more about your progress…

To see how TOMS is currently doing it’s part to employ and sustain a group of local artists in Haiti, check out this entry: http://blog.toms.com/post/46346923036/toms-haiti-artist-collective