Do you know where your money goes after purchasing a highly-anticipated, one-of-a-kind sneaker? Your money obviously goes to the respective brand; however, when you purchase a shoe that has been created for a good cause, you are actually helping someone out. For example, those who obtained the “Doernbecher” Air Jordan 3 provided revenue for the development of the Oregon?s premier Doernbecher Children?s Hospital. What other sneaker releases have garnered awareness and revenue for a good cause?
Specifically, Nike has partnered with a multitude of funds, campaigns and foundations to raise awareness for good causes. Campaigns such as the LIVESTRONG x Nike “Stages” Collection, the Nike “Think Pink” Series, the Doernbecher x Nike Collection and the Nike (Product) RED Lineup have all caught the attention of many sneaker enthusiasts all while raising awareness and revenue.
Take a look at some of the better releases in these respective campaigns and learn what each one represents.
LIVESTRONG x Lance Armstrong x Nike Campaign
Inaugural Year: 2004
Highlights: Nike Air Force 1 “Mr. Cartoon”, Nike Air Force 1 “Busy P”, Nike Dunk Hi “FLOM”
Focus: To raise awareness for the fight against cancer.
Overview: Lance Armstrong and Nike have collaborated on limitless amount product the beginning of their joint effort in 2004. At first, wristbands and apparel were the lone ?Wear Yellow? product in an attempt to bring cancer awareness to the forefront of peoples’ minds. However, since then, both sides have released a ton of great shoes in the trademark black/yellow color scheme. Additional acts have been planned out to raise cancer awareness such as the launch of a global art exhibition that creates a new way to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its Global Cancer campaign. Yet, its biggest project to date is the ever-so-popular ?Stages? Collection. The series brought together nearly 20 of the world’s most renowned artists to create original works of art inspired by Armstrong in hopes to raise more awareness for the Lance Armstrong Foundation?s fight against cancer. Participating artists include Shepard Fairey, Tom Sachs, Geoff McFetridge, Raymond Pettibon, Ed Ruscha, Kaws, Christopher Wool, Dzine, Eric White, Barry McGee, Kenny Scharf, Marc Newson, Rosson Crow, Taryn Simon, JR, Yoshitomo Nara, Suejin Chung, Lari Pittman, Aaron Young and Jules de Balincourt.
