Nike will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children's Hospital in 2024. Since the creation of Doernbecher Freestyle, the partnership has already raised $37 million for the hospital. To celebrate this partnership, Nike is coming out with a new collection designed by children.
Doernbecher Freestyle collection
The Doernbecher Freestyle program is a special collaboration between Nike and the hospital in the city where the brand was founded. The pair met in 2004 and since then have given six Doernbecher patients the chance to create inspiring shoe designs each year, which are auctioned off to benefit the hospital.
For the 20th anniversary, Nike is releasing the Doernbecher Freestyle 20 collection, which includes six models designed by hospital patients and a Nike Tech Fleece hoodie. This year's six Doernbecher Freestyle designers include young athletes and children with passions for dragons, cats, and music.
The children then translated their interests into the canvas of the sneakers, in collaboration with volunteer product experts from Nike. The sneakers contain unique details, hidden messages, and unexpected color palettes that reflect their life experiences.
Proceeds from the sneakers go to the OHSU Foundation, which benefits Doernbecher. The foundation helps fund healthcare costs for families in need, supports research, and makes treatments possible.
Release
In addition to the six sneakers, a special Air Jordan XX will also be auctioned off. This sneaker will be offered exclusively at Sotheby's and is limited to only 20 pairs. Each sneaker comes with a shirt and a Nike Tech Fleece bomber jacket with the same laser motif. The sneaker will be auctioned on Oct. 21, 2024.
The rest of the Doernbecher Freestyle collection will be released this winter. Check out the collection and the designers of the six sneakers below and don't miss this special release.
