Dow has announced a commitment of US $3 million (approximately Rs 22 crore) to help fund COVID-19 relief efforts with donations going towards global relief organizations, as well as non-profits in communities where Dow operates. In addition, the company announced it has begun producing hand sanitizer at its manufacturing site in Stade, Germany, and is repurposing an existing facility to produce hand sanitizer in the US, as well.
Relief efforts include
US $2 million (approximately Rs 15 crore) for immediate support of impacts caused by COVID-19. Funds will support the following relief efforts
- Donation to COVID-19 Solidarity Fund to support the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts around the world
- Donation to Direct Relief, humanitarian aid organization, to distribute medical supplies
- Support for local and regional non-profit organizations in Dow communities around the globe
- Other funds earmarked for emerging needs
- US $1 million (approximately Rs 7 crore) to build community resilience in the recovery phase
- Production of 300 tons of hand sanitizer per month, equivalent to 600,000 standard bottles (500ml each) for donation to pharmacies and hospitals in Stade, Germany and other regions in Germany
- The company is also rapidly repurposing an existing facility to produce hand sanitizer in the US.
These donations will help distribute essential supplies, such as personal protective equipment to frontline health workers, and they will help protect the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies by mobilizing and providing essential medical resources.
“Safety is our top priority at Dow. With the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 impacting our world, we are committed to helping protect the health and safety of our employees and communities, while deploying our business solutions where they are needed most,” said Jim Fitterling, chief executive officer of Dow. “We appreciate this crisis places extreme stress on non-profits, social services, small business and health care sectors, and we are working to provide fast, flexible funding, as well as adjusting our manufacturing processes where we can help address those needs.”
“The Dow Company Foundation harnesses the power of team Dow and directs our time, talent, and resources to address the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Howard Ungerleider, president and chief financial officer and chair of the Dow Company Foundation. “Through this initial commitment, we are sending immediate financial support to organizations directly addressing the COVID-19 crisis and working to protect the resiliency of our communities.”
Dow will continue to monitor emerging local and global needs as the COVID-19 situation evolves to effectively leverage Dow innovation, people and resources.
