Feature: We Partnered with On to Donate 250 Pairs of Shoes to Respiratory Therapists, Nurses, and Residents of Chicago's Hospitals

To participate in #GivingTuesdayNow and #NursesWeek, we partnered with On and the Respiratory Health Association to deliver 250 pairs of shoes to nurses, respiratory therapists, residents, doctors, and interns. With help from the Respiratory Health Association, we identified respiratory units at three hospitals who are the recipients of the donation: Loyola University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and the University of Chicago Medical Center.

"This gift is making a huge impact. One of the pairs of shoes is going to someone who is home fighting the COVID19 illness herself along with her family. She was recently diagnosed and is part of our heroes. She is very touched that we are being thought of during this time." Jennifer Dixon-Johnson, Loyola University Medical Center

"It's great to know that people outside of our walls care about us." Dr. Kyle Hogarth of the University of Chicago Medical Center

These units are the healthcare workers who are putting their lives on the line each day of the COVID-19 pandemic and rarely go home, working 80 to 90 hours a week for the past two months. Many of which are working overtime, in uncomfortable situations, protective equipment, and clothing.

"We are deeply appreciative of our medical heroes in Chicago and across the world as they continue the fight against COVID-19. They are risking their lives every day on the frontlines of this crisis and at On we felt the least we could do is help provide comfortable footwear during the many hours they're spending on their feet." said Britt Olsen, On's General Manager of North America

We know it’s not much and we can never quite understand the current situation that healthcare workers selflessly put themselves in, we’d like to thank our partners for providing us with the opportunity to make a small difference and show a bit of gratitude, even if it’s just making their jobs a little bit more comfortable while on their feet for those long hours. 

"On's tagline is "Run On Clouds" for a reason. On's patented outsole technology called CloudTec is engineered to deliver a premium, cushioned and soft landing while providing ample impact protection and support. Perfect for not only a long run, but long hours spent on your feet." said Kati Scronce, Midwest Regional Sales at On

We’d also like to thank our store owners Dave and Lisa Zimmer along with their two kids Bella and Sebastian for personally organizing, sorting, packing, and delivering the 250 boxes of shoes.

“The medical profession is being asked to do more now than it ever has in our recent history. If they are doing more, we can do more to support them,” says Dave Zimmer, Owner, Fleet Feet. “We are fortunate to be working with On to provide footwear to hardworking respiratory therapists, doctors and nurses at local hospitals.”