I was first drawn to these beautiful and colorful Ix sandals because they are THE quintessential summer shoe. But, when I discovered what my money went to when I bought them, I was completely impressed and had to share their story with my Gypsetgirl followers.
Originally from Guatemala, they were always concerned with the poverty, violence, and lack of education that plagues the country. The siblings spent their childhood in Panajachel, swimming in the once beautiful waters of Lake Atitlan. This lake, that provides drinking water for the locals, was once extraordinarily clear and beautiful. In fact, Aldous Huxley, author of “Brave New World” once described it as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The lake has been home to gypsetters, artists, and intellectuals like Ingrid Bergman (Casa Blanca), Antoine de Saint-Exupery (author of Little Prince), writer Simone de Beauvoir, poet Louis de Aragon, and Nobel Laureate and poet Pablo Neruda.
Tragically, over the years, pollution has created a toxic blue-green algae to develop in the lake. With no clean freshwater sources, children from local villages walk miles a day to reach this contaminated lake, and they have no choice but to bathe and drink from it.
Inspired by the hand-woven Mayan textiles and leather craftsmanship, the brother and sister team launched Ix Sandals (pronounced “eeks”). Ix is the Mayan word for water, and that is exactly what will be provided to these kids. Children now have a chance to use the time they would normally spend seeking out water for themselves and their families and in schools receiving an education.
The women responsible for creating the shoes are a local group over 200 strong. The artisans are expected to invest about 90% of their income back into their communities, further supporting the local economy and its people.
The team’s “100% model” guarantees that every dollar donated goes directly to charity and their GPS computer markers show exactly where, when, and how your donation is used, thereby offering a closer connection to the people of Guatemala, even from thousands of miles away.
Purchasing Ix sandals is such a great way to give back.
