Nike, footwear manufacturing giants, has announced a donation of over 30,000 pairs of shoes to help frontline workers. A move to help workers who are on their feet for long hours during the coronavirus pandemic.
The footwear is named “Air Zoom Pulse.” Released in November 2019, it is Nike’s “first shoe designed for the healthcare athlete, an everyday hero.”
According to the footwear company, they visited the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. This was to study those in the healthcare industry. Also taking into account the challenges of those on the job which includes long hours on their feet and liquid spills and the comfort needed for long shifts.
Nike (NKE) is partnering with Good360, a non-profit organization and local organizations; to give staff at various hospitals around the U.S. and Europe a pair of comfortable shoes. The shoes normally retail for $120, according to Forbes.
About 30,000 pairs will go to healthcare workers in Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis. Including New York City, and within the Veterans Health Administration. ”Hospitals across Europe including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Belgium — will receive an additional 2,500 pairs” Nike said.
The company said health care workers in New York City and Los Angeles will also receive about 95,000 pairs of soccer socks.
“The effort is led by messages of gratitude to healthcare professionals,” Nike said in a statement. “From one athlete to another, Nike athletes recognize the physical and mental resilience of healthcare athletes.”
John Hopkins University reports that More than 3.5 million cases of Coronavirus; including at least 251,000 deaths, have been recorded worldwide.