Michael Le With each passing the day, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to rise, revealing the cracks in our country’s evidently ill-prepared health care system. As patients flood the ERs across the nation, PPE as well as the necessary ventilators become more and more scarce, causing undo stress on the workers who brave the front lines. But while these everyday heroes risk their lives helping the sick, there’s still quite a large part the rest of us can play whether that be through diligently practiced social isolation or the timely morale boost. Alongside, larger corporations with means of production can ramp up their own efforts — something that Nike, LVMH, and adidas are already attempting to do as they craft face shields, masks, and the like.
HOKA ONE ONE, whose approach is different though still well-meaning, is now joining the fight as they initiate their “Front Line Give Back Program.” Aimed at the workers battling the pandemic, the imprint is hoping to provide comfort with the large donation of 5,000 performance sneakers. The pairs will be directly handed to the doctors, nurses, and other workers on the scene through the brand’s own retail partners with keen focus on the severely impacted areas such as New York and New Jersey.
President Wendy Yang had this to say: “Right now, front line medical workers are faced with a tremendous battle, and we are here to support them however we can. Their job is to save lives, which makes manufacturing and selling footwear seem trivial by comparison, but we hope by donating these shoes we can help provide some assistance and relief during this incredibly strenuous and demanding time.”
