American Fashion Designer Ralph Lauren to Donate $10 Million to Fight Covid-19.
@corporate.ralphlauren.com
In response to COVID-19, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, formerly known as the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation, is committing $10 million to help to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
“At the heart of our Company, there has always been a spirit of togetherness that inspires our creativity, our confidence and most importantly our support for one another. In the past weeks and months, that spirit has never wavered,” said Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer. “We believe that no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all connected. That is why we are taking significant action to help our teams and communities through this crisis.”
In addition, the Ralph Lauren Corporation is starting the production of 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns with its U.S. manufacturing partners.
“We recognize that this is an unprecedented, multifaceted crisis which demands different responses for different needs in different places. That is why we are funding multiple activities to support our teams, our partners and our communities around the world,” said Patrice Louvet, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we move through this challenging time, we are focused on continuing to be the beacon of optimism and unity that Ralph Lauren and our brands have always been.”
The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation’s commitment of $10 million will:
Provide financial grants through the Emergency Assistance Foundation for Ralph Lauren colleagues facing special circumstances like medical, eldercare or childcare needs;
Contribute to the World Health Organization COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, a global effort supporting countries to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic;
Build on our 20-year commitment to cancer care through our Pink Pony Fund by supporting our long-standing network of international cancer institutions that are caring for people with cancer who are especially vulnerable at this time; and Commit an inaugural gift to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) / Vogue Fashion Fund for COVID-19 relief to support the American fashion community impacted by the pandemic.
On March 17, the Company announced it will temporarily close all of its stores across North America from March 18, 2020 through April 1, 2020. All of the Company’s team members impacted by this short-term closure will receive their standard pay for the full two weeks, announced the company.
The Company has already closed a number of stores across Asia and Europe and will continue to follow the guidance of local governments and health organizations across these regions to determine the right next steps for each store location.
In addition, Ralph Lauren Corporation has taken steps to protect its teams by freezing all travel, asking employees to work from home when being in the office is not essential, deploying deep cleanings in all work locations, and implementing staggered work schedules in its distribution centers.
@corporate.ralphlauren.com
