Foot Locker Inspires and Commits Acts of Greatness for Sixth Annual Week of Greatness
Top Athletes and Musicians Join Foot Locker to Give Back to Their Local Communities and Those Affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2017 /CNW/ -- Foot Locker today announced that it is continuing the legacy of the "Week of Greatness" around the globe with its sixth-annual campaign by not only delivering the most anticipated footwear and apparel launches, but by committing and championing Acts of Greatness – physical acts of generosity that inspire and uplift others – through the action-oriented platform, #GreatnessDoesGood.
Foot Locker is bringing #GreatnessDoesGood to life through product and monetary donations, in-store collection points, and local market charitable activations, to help those impacted by recent U.S. and global events, alongside partners like Nike, Jordan, adidas, Puma, Converse, Reebok and the New York Knicks.
"At Foot Locker, we believe that greatness is not only about what sneakers you wear, it's about what you do while you're in them," said Dick Johnson, CEO and President of Foot Locker, Inc. "This year, instead of bringing together the biggest stars in sports to create our well-known, humorous ads for the annual Week of Greatness, we are bringing global sneakerheads together to commit and champion Acts of Greatness."
At the center of this year's Week of Greatness is a call to support the needs in Puerto Rico following the impact of Hurricane Maria, the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico since 1932. In addition to delivering essential aid to help its associates, their families and the communities in need, Foot Locker is introducing sneaker donation bins in more than 1,650 of its stores around the globe as a part of its partnership with non-profit, Soles4Souls. Customers are invited to donate new and gently-worn shoes in store, beginning Nov. 18 through Nov. 26, 2017. New shoes donated in the U.S. will be sent to Puerto Rico, while used shoes – and all footwear donations made in Foot Locker locations outside the U.S. – will benefit the Soles4Souls Micro-Enterprise program, driving commerce for entrepreneurs in developing countries.
"Helping Puerto Rico overcome the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. Foot Locker's generosity throughout the Week of Greatness will undoubtedly have an impact as the island continues to rebuild and recover the many items, including clothing and shoes, that were lost," said NBA star, Carmelo Anthony. "I encourage everyone to join me in donating any unworn pair that you can to help those in need in Puerto Rico through the #GreatnessDoesGood campaign."
Foot Locker is joining its customers in donating, providing thousands of new pairs from its own supply to support on-going recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. The brand has committed to donating more than $1,000,000 towards humanitarian relief efforts around the globe, including $100,000 to support Soles4Souls from the Foot Locker Foundation. Top athletes, artists and influencers including Carmelo Anthony, Paul George and Kyrie Irving will also commit their own Acts of Greatness by donating their shoes to the cause, with additional support from their peers rolling in.
"We are extremely excited to be a part of Foot Locker's Week of Greatness," said Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls. "Puerto Rico needs our support and we thank Foot Locker and their customers for helping Soles4Souls continue to provide the much-needed relief many still desperately need."
To announce this year's unique take on the Week of Greatness, Foot Locker today released two digital videos featuring athlete "look-alikes," available on YouTube.com/FootLocker. The spots humorously showcase the "athletes" discussing how instead of putting top athletes and celebrities in a Week of Greatness commercial, as Foot Locker has done in years past, the brand is bringing stars together to commit acts of generosity both on a national level, and for their local communities. The first digital spot features actors that look like adidas brand ambassadors Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Kristaps Porzingis. The second spot highlights the likeness of Nike and Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
"I've partnered with Foot Locker before but this year's Week of Greatness campaign is special because I get the opportunity to do something that's important to me which is support the community and help those in need," said NBA star, Damian Lillard. Later this week I'll be working with Foot Locker on my 'Act of Greatness' in Portland, talking with teens about respecting each other and themselves, and spreading the #GreatnessDoesGood spirit."
New sneaker releases from Nike, Jordan, adidas and more will drop daily beginning Nov. 18 in Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, and Kids Foot Locker stores globally. Visit Foot Locker's Launch Locator to find the hottest #WeekofGreatness launches at a local store.
Join the conversation by committing and sharing Acts of Greatness using #GreatnessDoesGood and visit @footlocker on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or by visiting footlocker.com/GreatnessDoesGood for more information on the campaign.
About Foot Locker:
Foot Locker is part of Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) is a specialty athletic retailer that operates more than 3,350 stores in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, SIX:02, Runners Point, and Sidestep retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channels, including footlocker.com and Eastbay.com, the Company is a leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.
About Soles4Souls:
Soles4Souls disrupts the cycle of poverty by creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the organization repurposes product to supply its micro-enterprise, disaster relief and direct assistance programs. Since 2006, it has distributed more than 30 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries. A nonprofit social enterprise, Soles4Souls earns more than half of its income and commits 100% of donations to programs. Visit soles4souls.org and follow @Soles4Souls on social media for more information.
SOURCE Foot Locker, Inc.
Sarah Houseknecht, 212-720-4186, [email protected], http://www.footlocker-inc.com
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