The world is pulling together at the minute, battling the current COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past six months, governments and businesses alike have joined forces in order to help health care workers on the front line. From luxury labels to sportswear manufacturers, everyone is doing their bit to help those in need. One brand doing everything in its power to help is Oregon sportswear behemoth, Nike.
For the past two months, Nike has been helping those in need to fight coronavirus. It began manufacturing face shields from its Air Max products and air-purifying respirator lenses in March. Since then, it has pledged over $2 million from its employees alone. However, in the spirit of the Swoosh, there’s more left to be done.
Nike is increasing its efforts again, this time working with charitable organisations in the USA and Europe to donate 140,000 pieces of footwear, apparel and equipment to medical staff battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The news comes as Nike looks to increase its efforts in ensuring that the world gets back to normal as soon as possible. One piece of equipment, however, plays an especially symbolic role.
The Nike Air Zoom Pulse is a sneaker created with medical workers at the Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Many sneakerheads will know that Nike has always supported its local community, with the Doernbecher Hospital being one of note.
30,000 pairs of the Nike Air Zoom Pulse will be donated to healthcare workers and various hospitals in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Memphis. It also plans to donate 2,500 pairs to healthcare staff in Europe. Healthcare workers in Barcelona, Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Belgium will all receive a donation of footwear.
Solidarity has never been more important. In these uncertain times, it’s important to remember to be cautious. Stay at home. Protect your family. In the words of Nike, Just Do It.
