In the midst of the terrible news of these weeks, these extreme times also hold for us beautiful and positive stories: those of doctors who sacrifice their lives to save others and – why not? – also those of companies that decide to convert part of their production to create protective instruments and medical supplies for health care personnel and civilians. Remembering that priority is always given to doctors and nurses (just as in the case of a plane crash, the oxygen mask should be worn first by those who can save other lives, so not children and the elderly), here is what several companies in the sports and non-sports industry are doing to help those on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.
In aid of health personnel
Focusing on the U.S. territory (where it is headquartered, after all) New Balance, given the continuing and urgent need for personal protective equipment throughout the United States, has scaled back its production and is currently developing masks for general use. It then produced its first prototype face mask less than a week ago and expects to produce up to 100,000 total units per week by mid-April.
Staying on American soil, Eddie Bauer-a manufacturer of outdoor clothing and accessories-has also decided to produce sanitary masks.
Crocs’ approach is different: the American company that produces the famous soft and practical “clogs” has decided to donate its products to caregivers.
Instead, Nike opted for direct financial aid with major donations from both the Nike Foundation (as a company, therefore) and personally, from some of its most prominent board members. The recipients of the donations–together in the range of a few tens of millions of dollars–are nonprofits dedicated to helping people in need through the provision of food, clothing and health care or directly health care facilities, universities and associations that are committed to financially assisting people in need.
The Italian experience
What are some Italian companies concretely doing to counter this health emergency? Italian outdoor and mountain technical clothing and equipment company La Sporiva has announced that it has dedicated part of its industrial lines to the production of masks and medical clothing for health care and Civil Defense personnel (and today’s news of the decision to postpone the presentation of its summer collection by one year).
Salewa, on the other hand, was responsible for arranging the transportation of masks and medical supplies imported from China and transited through Vienna directly to Italy.
But examples of solidarity are many and involve other industries as well: the automotive industry worldwide has responded with the commitment of Tesla, Mercedes, Ferrari and other companies to produce components for ventilators needed in intensive care. Lending a hand to Siare-the only Italian manufacturer of such fans-other companies, some also operating in the aerospace sector, have also rushed in, supplying machinery, engineers and know-how.
And then there is the solidarity of the manufacturing and fashion sector: many companies such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, Valentino, Dolce&Gabbana, Geox, Moschino, and H&M have converted part of their production to the creation of health masks and clothing. Also in the food and beverage sector are initiatives by industry associations to use alcohol to make hand sanitizer, as Campari, Ramazzotti, and the Nardini Group (grappa and spirits) have done.
Together, to get out of this as soon as possible
It is important to see this active engagement of industry and business. While it is indisputable that there are also economic and image reasons behind it (the sooner we get back to normal, the better for everyone), it is still important to note that the outcome benefits the community and everyone. To get everyone back to better health as soon as possible.