Can you imagine the smiles on the faces of 15,000 kids after they were given new Nike shoes? The smiles were a reality thanks to a project sponsored by Nike's Israel office, located in Herzliya Pituach, near Tel Aviv. The team there donated its resources as part of a partnership with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ). The IFCJ is a Chicago-based organization supporting needy children and families throughout the world.
The Nike Israel team located 15,000 youth who came from financially challenged families around the country and ordered a pair of shoes for every child. Over the course of two months, Nike Israel and IFCJ teams visited 35 cities and settlements where the footwear was passed out to an average of 400 kids per day.
“The initial goal was to respond to basic needs for the children in Israel,” said Guy Daneman, Nike Israel Footwear Sales Manager. “But in the end it became more than that. It was one of the best projects we have done, if only for the reason it made 15,000 kids smile.”
Daneman says his team is proud of the large impact that one of Nike’s smaller locations made on the local community. He says they hope to organize similar projects in the future.
The efforts are a reflection of Nike's larger commitment to Innovate for a Better World. We're committed to investing a minimum of $315 million in grants, product donations and in-kind support through 2011 to give excluded youth greater access to sport. Learn more about our programs by visiting www.nikeresponsibility.com.