2K Australia today announced a special collaboration with Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri Indigenous artist Allan McKenzie to design a one of a kind NBA® 2K22 inspired shoe for charity. McKenzie customised a pair of adidas Harden Stepback 2.0 basketball shoes and nominated Indigenous charity Red Dust to host an auction with all the proceeds from the sale helping their mission of working together to enrich lives, improve health and strengthen the future of Indigenous youth and families.
The auction will be live on Red Dust’s eBay page at 12pm AEDT on 21 February 2022 and will run until 12pm AEDT 2 March 2022.
“I’m honoured that 2K asked me to collaborate on one of their most popular games, which drove most of the inspiration behind the design of the shoe along with the game of basketball,” said McKenzie. “It’s amazing to be able to have my designs auctioned off to a cause close to my heart, that ties in so well with NBA 2K22.”
“As we commence delivery of Red Dust’s Healthy Living Program in remote communities this year we’re excited to partner with Allan and 2K for this unique initiative,” said Scott Stirling, Red Dust CEO. “Basketball is deeply embedded in Red Dust’s history. Our founder, John Van Groningen, was closely connected with the NBL and our first visits to remote communities involved NBL star players as volunteers. Their efforts inspired hundreds of athletes to follow suit across 25 years, engaging in inspirational two way exchanges with thousands of young Aboriginal kids in remote communities.”
Red Dust was formally established in 2006, but has been working with remote Indigenous communities for 25 years. This project with 2K marks their first partnership with a global video game publisher. To donate to Red Dust, visit https://reddust.org.au/donate/.