The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the state of the economy, but businesses are already finding creative ways to give back and do their part.
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the state of the economy, but businesses are already finding creative ways to give back and do their part.
Companies Make Efforts to Give Back Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
AWAKEN PR
How Companies Are Giving Back During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic affects everyone. But it's never been more uplifting to see brands and companies using their financial power and influence to make a positive difference in the lives of those hit hardest.
The sudden and severe outbreak of COVID-19 has caused economies to tremble and crumble around the world, shuttering businesses and eliminating tens of millions of jobs. The pandemic has impacted the world so profoundly that many say it will never be the same, but in certain ways that might not be a bad thing.
Many businesses and organizations have already made concerted efforts to mitigate the damage of this devastating pandemic and give back to their customers and communities. In this article, we’ll shed light on what some companies are doing to find the silver lining amidst this extraordinarily difficult time.
Teachers and students are receiving financial aid and educational resources from Google, Logitech, and Babbel.
Giving Back to Teachers
With thousands of schools shutting down or forced to move to all-online platforms, a number of companies have responded by developing and refining products to help students of all ages. Technology behemoths like Logitech are providing educators with the webcam and headset equipment they need to teach students remotely, and digital learning programs like Babbel are currently offering months of free language training programs to students. Other efforts to help educators during the coronavirus crisis are well demonstrated by major influencers in the internet industry. Consider Google’s G Suite for Education and Zoom’s video chat platform, both of which are offering free use of products for students and teachers that would otherwise carry a premium price tag.
Health care workers and hospitals are receiving supplies, furniture, personal protective equipment, and medical devices from companies across industries, including Ford Motor Company and Joanne Fabrics.
Giving Back to Health Care Workers
It’s important to support all industries during this unsettling pandemic, but health care workers are especially in need of services and supplies as they battle this virus on the frontlines. Thankfully, a number of businesses have stepped up in order to help hospitals and clinics get access to personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizers, paper products, furniture, and even medical devices.
New York City, which has been one of the urban areas most severely affected by coronavirus infections, will see its hospitals receive 10,000 mattresses from Serta Simmons Bedding. Other manufacturers like Ford Motor Company, GM, and Fiat have shifted gears to use their engineering prowess for production and donation of vital medical equipment like respirators and ventilators. Even craft and hobby stores are joining in the COVID-19 charity efforts, such as Joanne Fabrics, which is donating linens and fabrics that can be used for protective masks in healthcare facilities low on medical supplies.
Small and locally owned businesses are receiving help from large corporations, big banks, and industry behemoths like Yelp and Facebook.
Giving Back to Small Businesses
The majority of companies making waves in the news for pandemic relief efforts are usually industry leaders that generate billions of dollars in annual profits. But small businesses have been hit just as hard as large corporations, so it’s a pleasant sight to see the big leaguers looking out for the little guys
Facebook has launched a financial aid program that will supply 30,000 small businesses with a combined $100 million in ad credits and cash grants, and Google is offering $340 million in free ad credits for small and midsize businesses with active Google ad accounts as part of a coronavirus relief package.
Big banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America are modifying their traditional business models to grant businesses leniency and forgiveness on their payments. To the relief of many locally and family-owned restaurants, Yelp is waving $25 million in advertising fees so that mom-and-pop shops can affordably publicize their to-go and delivery services.
Giving Back to the Community
Distilleries and breweries, large and small, including Anheuser-Busch, Pernod Ricard USA, Bacardi, Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Company and Tito’s Handmade Vodka (and even some marijuana dispensaries!) have turned their facilities into hubs of hand sanitizer production and distribution to address a nationwide shortage and help keep the virus at bay. The hand sanitizer is being donated to the medical community, first responders, nonprofit organizations, homeless shelters, food banks, nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities, and many other organizations and businesses in need.
Final Thoughts
This is an unprecedented and extremely difficult time for all of us, but many individuals, communities and industries have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s stories of community and corporate support, cooperation and unity that keep hope alive during crises like these. So even if the world is changing dramatically and permanently, caring for our fellow citizens and supporting our local businesses is definitely a change for the better.
AWAKEN PR is dedicated to helping organizations, businesses and individuals get the word out about their efforts to help out during this pandemic. We are offering free PR consultations and press releases so please reach out to us for more information on how our expertise can help your business or organization not just survive, but thrive during this tumultuous time. There’s never been a better time to awaken the world to your vision and your mission.
This article and accompanying infographic was created by and for Awaken PR. AWAKEN PR provides digital marketing, content development, and public relations services to socially driven businesses and organizations.