Nike CSR - Doernbecher Children’s Hospital ‘Just Do It’ through design
Last updated 11/17/2009 9:05:29 AM
Nike CSR - Doernbecher Children Hospital Just Do It through design
Sportswear company Nike has released its Doernbecher Freestyle footwear collection for the sixth year. The collection is unique because Nike has paired-up its designers with young patients from Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregan, USA, to create a range of footwear that is inspired by the patients' personal stories and also raising awareness and funds for the hospital.
Elliott Hill, vice president of global retail for NIKE, Inc., said: "Doernbecher Freestyle is about empowerment through design, bringing together bright young patients and some of our most talented Nike designers to give back to Doernbecher Children's Hospital."
To date the program has raised more than $2 million dollars. All profits from the collection benefit Doernbecher by supporting advanced paediatric research, providing healthcare to uninsured patients, funding the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment, and training the next generation of paediatric specialists.
The young designers range in age from 11 to 14 and all have courageously battled serious illness at Doernbecher. Through the Doernbecher Freestyle Project each child is given the opportunity to design a pair of Nike's and is granted complete artistic freedom as he or she works alongside a Nike designer through the entire design process -- from selecting a shoe style to choosing materials, colours, patterns and other individual details.
Sue Nicol, executive director of the Doernbecher Foundation. "Apart from the significant financial impact, Nike is providing a priceless experience for some really brave kids. Their moment in the spotlight as a Nike shoe designer is one they'll never forget."
The Doernbecher Freestyle collection is now available for purchase at Niketown stores, nike.com, and at select Nike retailers. This year's collection features popular basketball, running and skateboarding styles, including a retro Nike Air Jordan VI.
The 2009 Doernbecher Freestyle Design Team and Footwear Collection:
- Bradley Bowlby, 11, (Stevenson, Washington): Nike Air Force I Low
Bradley's desire to get dirty in style is reflected with a custom camouflage design featured on the outsole and upper.
- Collin Callsen, 11, (Stayton, Oregon): Nike P-ROD 3 Skate Shoe
Collin's playful attitude comes through with a personalized logo at the bottom of the shoe's tongue and fun graphics on the upper inspired by his love of hunting, dirt bikes, skulls and playing pool.
- Jordan Dark, 12, (Mt. Angel, Oregon): Nike Air Jordan VI Retro
Jordan's creativity comes to life in this shoe that takes inspiration from the Jordan 12, 5, 9 and 6, a play on his birth date of 12-5-1996.
- Anna Finley, 11, (Salem, Oregon): Nike Air Max Zenyth
Anna's vivid imagination and love of color is highlighted in this multi-colored shoe with hand-drawn balloons, animals, trees, hearts and music notes.
- Makayla Hansen, 12, (Elgin, Oregon): Nike Skinny Dunk High
Makayla's love for playing basketball and riding her bike is clear with a multi-colored basketball design on the upper and five bikes waiting to be discovered under the ankle support straps.
- Molly Anne Modeste Martin, 14, (Lake Oswego, Oregon): Nike Shox NZ
Molly's colorful Nike Shox design incorporates symbols of her life's passions and beliefs-a silhouette of herself running track, a basketball hidden under the top eyelet, a music note, and "Just Do It" embroidered on the back of one heel and "Together" on the other.
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