In the midst of COVID-19, as people struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness, fashion designers around the world are uniting efforts to create medical supplies for medical workers.
Designers who have participated in these efforts include Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Christian Dior, and more. With retail stores closed and fashion shows postponed indefinitely, the creation of these supplies has allowed designers to keep their employees on staff. These fashion house employees have been manufacturing and distributing medical masks, gowns, and other equipment in an effort to support the health heroes who are combating this virus.
The fashion industry is not alone, though, in their philanthropic efforts. During this pandemic, we have witnessed generosity and helpfulness from many different retailers, too. Brands like Allbirds, Crocs and Clove have been donating shoes to healthcare workers. Allbirds donated half a million dollars worth of merchandise, and they have now reworked their model to offer shoppers a buy-one-give-one option.
Hertz Car Rental has initiated a program in New York City that offers free rental cars to healthcare workers who need assistance getting to and from work. This program deliberately targeted New York City, as it has been one of the hardest hit areas and New Yorkers frequently depend on public transportation.
In other good news, Walmart has vowed to waive April’s rent for over 10,000 businesses that operate within Walmart stores. These businesses include food vendors, optometry offices, hair salons, nail salons, banks and more. This news comes shortly after Walmart had announced $550 million in bonuses for hourly workers.
There are plenty of negative stories to be shared, too. Businesses taking advantage of employees, retailers selling medical supplies instead of donating them, etc. However, there is plenty of bad news circulating already. Sometimes, it’s important to highlight the feel-good stories and uplift a nation when they’re down.
Sources
- https://www.cnn.com/style/article/fashion-industry-masks-protective-equipment-covid-19/index.html
- https://www.insider.com/allbirds-shoes-for-healthcare-workers
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/hertz-to-offer-free-rental-vehicles-to-help-health-care-workers-11585137602
- https://www.fastcompany.com/90482577/walmart-is-waiving-april-rent-costs-for-hair-salons-eye-doctors-and-other-in-store-businesses
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