Covid-19 Counter-strike

Brands are meeting it with smart, creative campaigns, companies with billions of rupees and thoughtful interventions, and countries with all guns blazing. Coronavirus wants a fight, and it will get a bloody nose.

Company CountryBrand

Hero Cycles One billion wishes

May 13, 2020

The rapid spread of Coronavirus has taken a toll on the existing systems, whether in healthcare or trade. The urgent need is to ramp up capacities, and that means money, lots and lots of it. Therefore, companies such as Hero Cycles are offering just that. The cycle manufacturer has set up a Rs.1-billion contingency fund, and an emergency monitoring cell headed by the chairman Pankaj Munjal himself. The cell will closely track the health, social and economic effects of the pandemic and accordingly disperse the fund to help government bodies across states, especially the ones which have its major manufacturing units such as Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it is also providing medical support to its employees and their families, and the communities around its key manufacturing facilities. Munjal said, at a press conference, “We understand that long-term lockdowns are bound to impact the supply chains and livelihoods associated with our business. At such a time, we want to make sure that we do our best in cushioning our partners, distributors, associates, employees and the communities we work in against economic troubles.” Similar initiatives have been taken by its parent, Hero Motors Company, for its subsidiaries in the UK and Germany, where it has significant presence. May more such heroes rise.

Room for more | Yes Bank

May 11, 2020

No one knows trouble like the employees of Yes Bank. A month back, during the bank’s debacle, they were uncertain about their salaries and future. Today, uncertainty has struck the entire country, in the form of a global pandemic. Sympathising with the misery, employees at Yes Bank have voluntarily joined in the fight against the virus. The bank has announced Rs.100-million donation to the PM CARES fund. The bank has also opened the opportunity for customers to contribute to the fund, either through direct transfer or by converting their credit card reward points. When it comes to a global crisis, we need all hands on the deck.

Every donation counts | Lupin

May 11, 2020

Many drops make an ocean and many contributions make for the Rs.210-million donation -– the amount pledged by global pharma giant Lupin. Of this, Rs.55 million has been collected through employees who have donated two days’ worth of their salary. This amount will go to the PM CARES Fund. Matching the employee’s generosity, the company has allocated Rs.55 million for tackling various challenges –- from equipment supply to the workers to meals for the needy. The balance Rs.100 million comes from promoter Deshbandhu Garg’s family. This will be used by Lupin for various initiatives it will be undertaking in India and globally in the fight against COVID-19.

Fighting infection | PNB Housing

May 11, 2020

Creating a vaccine for COVID-19 is also a priority for governments across the world. Companies such as PNB Housing are contributing to that research. It has recently donated Rs.17.6 million to the National Centre for Bio Sciences for R&D. Some of the objectives of this research will be to develop coating for cloth surfaces used for personal protective equipment (PPE), low cost and high through-put rapid COVID-19 tests, and clinical assessment and rapid screening for new drugs. Further, the company has been supporting the Delhi government by providing food and shelter to the severely affected migrant labourers by contributing to the CM’s relief fund and PM CARES fund. More power to donors!

On the safe side | ICICI Lombard

May 11, 2020

Not going the usual way of distributing food, masks and sanitisers, ICICI Lombard along with Apollo Health and Lifestyle and Metropolis Healthcare, has zeroed in on funding COVID-19 tests for those who can’t afford it. The cost of a coronavirus test from a private lab has been capped at Rs.4,500. The company is committing a sum of Rs.50 million towards this, which will help over 11,000 people. The offer will cover Antyodaya and BPL ration card holders. Bhargav Dasgupta, MD and CEO, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, says, “Their timely screening is the first step to curtail the spread of the virus.” Earlier the start we get, the better.

Millions in aid | Shriram Group

May 11, 2020

The Shriram Group has pledged Rs.100 million to the PM CARES Fund. The donation is largely to prepare for any kind of emergency or distress posed by the pandemic in the coming days. Of the total, the company has already contributed Rs.80 million. Shriram Group maintains that it will continue to contribute to the cause in the weeks to come by, in more ways.

Cult support | Nestlé

May 11, 2020

When you are too bored to cook, Maggi is the two-minute answer. However, foodies are getting their noodle into a twist over its availability and safety. To settle their concerns, Nestlé India has released a minute-long film which states that the company is doing everything it can to ensure continuous supply, and safety in production with employees maintaining safe distance and wearing caps, masks and gloves. Towards the end, a placard urges people to stay home and stay safe as ‘Maggi is coming’ to keep them company. Nestlé has also taken broader steps at a company level. It has paid 100% sales incentive to its frontline sales force under the Nestlé Suraksha programme. It has also pledged Rs.150 million for feeding programmes in participation with various NGOs, and for purchase of medical and personal protective equipment. When dropped in hot water, you can count on Maggi.

Leading the way | Amway

May 11, 2020

Amway has pledged a contribution of Rs.16.1 million to support the fight against coronavirus. The fund includes Rs.10 million towards the PM CARES fund and Rs.2.5 million towards Tamil Nadu CM’s Public Relief Fund. The company is contributing Rs.3.6 million in research and through a project with United Way Delhi to distribute hygiene kits to public health service providers, benefitting 15,000 people in Gurugram and Mumbai. Amway is also providing 1,200 N95 masks to Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital in Delhi, where COVID-19 patients are being treated. The company will also conduct a disinfection and sanitation drive in association with select NGO partners across 12 cities. Leaving no stone unturned, it is also leveraging its network of 550,000 direct sellers, to spread awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare, using digital platforms. Now that’s what we call an all-in approach.

Supporting on-ground effort | Honda

May 11, 2020

Honda India Foundation, the CSR arm of all Honda group companies in India, has pledged Rs.110 million for relief and prevention efforts. Under this, Honda will supply 2,000 units of Honda engine-powered, high-pressure backpack sprayers to various government agencies. These will be used for “disinfectant fumigation at hospitals, public transport, railway stations, public canteens and other common areas,” according to a press note. The organisation has also offered its support to local administration in all its manufacturing locations, using ambulances stationed at all its plants and in distributing food packets. Power-packed response from this auto major. 

Pledging support | DCB Bank

May 11, 2020

DCB Bank committed Rs.100 million as a part of their CSR initiative, which will be deployed for the PM CARES and Maharashtra government’s CM relief funds over the next three months. Meanwhile, the bank aims to engage with its partners and other agencies to provide on-ground aide helping daily wagers and migrant labourers bearing the brunt of the lockdown by providing meals and ration kits in Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

All-round wellness | Dabur

May 11, 2020

While its brands are spreading awareness on social distancing and healthy eating through social media campaigns, Dabur has decided to fight challenges associated with COVID-19. They have announced the creation of a Dabur Care Fund worth Rs.210 million fund will provide support in three core areas. From the total, Rs.110 million is being donated to the PM CARES fund while the rest is for vulnerable individuals such as migrant workers and frontline workers. Other initiatives include providing health and hygiene kits to police personnel, working with NGOs and community leaders to provide meals and medicines, as well as donating hygiene products to migrant and daily-wage workers. Group company Oncquest Laboratories, according to the company statement is endeavouring to undertake COVID-19 tests for a significant number of BPL patients free of cost. They don’t have the cure for the lockdown, but they can sure get rid of side-effects of it on the nation!

Billion-rupee commitment | JSW

May 11, 2020

JSW has donated Rs.1 billion to the PM CARES fund, while many of its employees have pledged a “minimum of a day’s salary” for the fund. Apart from financial contributions, it has “earmarked funds for import of ventilators for use across the country and will be funding equipment for medical workers”. The group has also announced a commitment to fulfil the dietary requirements of communities around JSW factory locations, and has offered to convert its facilities into isolation wards. In a release, Sajjan Jindal, chairman of JSW group, says that they have also earmarked additional funds for any future needs in this crisis.

Effect and impact | Adani

May 11, 2020

The Adani Group has pledged donation worth Rs.1,140 million for central and state government funds. Of the total, Rs.1,000 million has been donated to the PM CARES fund, and the balance Rs.140 million has been donated to CM relief funds of Gujarat (Rs.50 million), Kerala (Rs.50 million), Andhra Pradesh (Rs.20 million), Maharashtra (Rs.10 million) and Jharkhand (Rs.10 million). Apart from this, the conglomerate has announced a Rs.5 million contribution to Iskcon Dwarka, which has been feeding poor people in and around New Delhi. Additionally, its companies’ employees have also announced a Rs.40 million contribution which has been matched by the Adani Foundation, making a total of Rs.80 million. The group will be giving away masks and PPEs to healthcare workers in Ahmedabad, and distributing food and ration every day in Mundra (Gujarat), Godda (Jharkhand), Kawai (Rajasthan), Dhamra (Odisha) and Vizhinjam (Kerala).

Effect and impact | Adani

May 11, 2020

The Adani Group has pledged donation worth Rs.1,140 million for central and state government funds. Of the total, Rs.1,000 million has been donated to the PM CARES fund, and the balance Rs.140 million has been donated to CM relief funds of Gujarat (Rs.50 million), Kerala (Rs.50 million), Andhra Pradesh (Rs.20 million), Maharashtra (Rs.10 million) and Jharkhand (Rs.10 million). Apart from this, the conglomerate has announced a Rs.5 million contribution to Iskcon Dwarka, which has been feeding poor people in and around New Delhi. Additionally, its companies’ employees have also announced a Rs.40 million contribution which has been matched by the Adani Foundation, making a total of Rs.80 million. The group will be giving away masks and PPEs to healthcare workers in Ahmedabad, and distributing food and ration every day in Mundra (Gujarat), Godda (Jharkhand), Kawai (Rajasthan), Dhamra (Odisha) and Vizhinjam (Kerala).

Rely on us | Reliance Industries Limited

May 11, 2020

Responding to the need for contributions and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reliance Industries has announced a number of initiatives – from monetary contributions to donation of infrastructure. According to a company press release, apart from a Rs.50 million donation to the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s relief fund, a dedicated 100-bed hospital (HN Reliance Foundation Hospital) has been set up at Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai in collaboration with the BMC, for patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Partnering with various NGOs, the foundation is also providing free meals. When it comes to equipment, the company is catering to the growing need for masks and protective suits for healthcare workers who have been working at the frontline to counter the disease. They are also importing testing kits and have handed over an isolation facility to district authorities in Lodhiwala, Maharashtra. Their support is diverse, just like their businesses!

Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), ATE Chandra Foundation and Harsh Mariwala | Corona Challenge

May 11, 2020

Necessity is the mother of invention, and boy do we have a necessity now! Therefore, Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), ATE Chandra Foundation and Harsh Mariwala are certain innovation will see as through. Collectively, they launched a challenge called #Innovate2BeatCovid on March 30. The objective of the challenge is to overcome the short-supply of ventilators for COVID-19 patients, personal protective equipment for the doctors and nurses, and other respiratory solutions. MIF believes that this shortage can be addressed by modifying and scaling existing solutions. With a grant value of Rs.25 million, the programme invited medtech entrepreneurs, innovators and corporates from across the nation to participate. The last date for sending in applications was April 10. If short-listed, MIF will support the start-ups or the entities over the immediate as well as the longer term. Now this is a #CoronaChallenge that we hope many have signed up for!

 

Diageo India | Three cheers!

May 11, 2020

A tipple is for the good times, but alcohol companies aren’t lounging about during this crisis. One company is showing its support by supplying sanitisers to the government and hospitals, to beat the acute shortage. Around 15 manufacturing units of Diageo India across the country has been repurposed to bulk produce sanitisers. It is already producing 300,000 litres of the liquid and donating another 500,000 litres of extra neutral alcohol (ENA) to the local manufacturers enabling production of more than two million units of 250 ml bottles of sanitisers. This is something the company has never done before. Anand Kripalu, CEO and MD, Diageo India, calls this a “token of appreciation” to the healthcare providers fighting at the forefront. "In a short span of five days, we have trained ourselves, produced and started dispatching the hand sanitisers from my manufacturing units," he says. The first batch was produced from the units in Goa, Assam, Aurangabad and Hyderabad. Diageo India is also donating 150,000 masks to the public health departments of five states, and has promised another Rs.30 million to provide health insurance cover to the bartenders associated with the Diageo World Class Programme. While a few alcohol companies are also spreading awareness through digital campaigns, Kripalu has consciously stayed away from any branding or social media campaign believing that the issue is way too serious to be creativised on social media. Raise a toast to a quiet expression of solidarity.

 

ITC | Frontline Fighter

May 11, 2020

One of India's largest brands, the 110-year-old ITC is going all out to help authorities and frontline staff. It is setting up a contingency fund of Rs.1.5 billion. It will be used to provide relief to the vulnerable and most needy sections of society, such as those who have lost their daily jobs and wages. The money will also be used to provide assistance to the district health and rural healthcare eco-system, in collaboration with district authorities. Protective personal gear and hygiene products will be given to people who are working on the ground, reaching medicines, groceries and other essential goods to others, and sourcing agri-commodities. ITC is also working with state authorities and local administration to ensure that manufacturing and distribution activities continue uninterrupted with bare minimum staff. "While we practise restraint and social isolation as a group, we will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, workforce and value chain partners," the company has said. With quick action in all fronts, the company is showing the mark of a true leader.

 

ITC | Frontline fighter

May 11, 2020

One of India's largest brands, the 110-year-old ITC is going all out to help authorities and frontlinestaff. It is setting up a contingency fund of Rs.1.5 billion. It will be used to provide relief to the vulnerable and most needy sections of society, such as those who have lost their daily jobs and wages. The money will also be used to provide assistance to the district health and rural healthcare eco-system, in collaboration with district authorities. Protective personal gear and hygiene products will be given to people who are working on the ground, reaching medicines, groceries and other essential goods to others, and sourcing agri-commodities. ITC is also working with state authorities and local administration to ensure that manufacturing and distribution activities continue uninterrupted with  bare minimum staff. "While we practise restraint and social isolation as a group, we will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, workforce and value chain partners," the company has said. With quick action in all fronts, the company is showing the mark of a true leader.

Serving Society Through Science | Tata Chemicals

May 05, 2020

In line with the initiatives launched by Tata Group, Tata Chemicals is also doing its fair share of social activities to help several communities fight COVID-19. Mostly focused in Mithapur, Gujarat, where the company’s factory is located, they are sharing a message of #ServingSocietyThroughScience. This includes organising awareness campaigns in rural areas, free medicines and counselling along with a flu screening facility that was set up in March itself, which helps Mithapur hospital team in managing OPD. Apart from a donation of Rs.5 million to the Gujarat CM Relief Fund, the company has also been distributing food packets in several areas including Jamnagar, Porbandar, Khambaliya and more. Moreover, the company is ensuring farm-to-home supply by supporting farmers in selling their products directly to end users. Households are also being sent 10,000 seed kits across 42 villages to ensure nutritional value and food security. At a crucial time like this, Tata Chemicals is also employing several SHGs by deploying the production of 3-ply cotton masks.

For one and all | Cipla Health

April 24, 2020

Before violent fights for sanitizers could break out in supermarket aisles, Cipla Health acted. It launched a new range of products for hand hygiene called Ciphands. With 72.34% alcohol content, the antiseptic sanitizer claims to kill 99.99% germs. This surely secures many of us, but the people who actually need it are the ones working in the frontline. So, the company has donated 20,000 bottles to police officers and BEST bus operators in Mumbai under its #WithOurHeroes initiative. As a token of gratitude, it has also distributed its multi-vitamins to the workers to help improve their immunity. Now we get why the company’s slogan is ‘Caring for all’.

Hum along | Gaana

April 24, 2020

What’s a great way to de-stress when it comes to a bad day? Playing your favourite songs! Now, playing them can also help the disadvantaged too. Music streaming company Gaana has launched a two-week initiative under which for every song streamed on the platform, the company will be contributing to GiveIndia’s India COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide masks to the underprivileged in Delhi and Mumbai.
Talking to Outlook Business, Prashan Agarwal, CEO, Gaana says, “The lockdown resulted in an increase in spending time on the app among the consumers. We thought of partaking in the #IndiaFightsCorona initiative, all through the medium of entertainment and music to keep the positivity and the spirit alive while giving listeners the opportunity to feel one with the cause and join in the efforts within the comfort of their homes.” It aims at achieving over 700 million streams from users in a week, so that Rs.700,000 can be "channelised towards the protection of the poor and distribution of safety masks".

Wholesome support | Tata Steel

April 24, 2020

From finance and training the disadvantaged to supporting and equipping frontline workers, Tata Steel and its foundation have announced a series of initiatives. One crucial need is correct information and their #DigitalBridges campaign, implemented through the panchayats, is addressing that. The team has trained members of 219 panchayats for this. Sourav Roy, Tata Steel’s head of CSR says that their text and digital modules give information people can use and bust myths, and this is even done through regular and WhatsApp calls. Under their #ThoughtforFood campaign, millions of meals have been served. The company is also producing 100,000 masks for frontline workers by around 155 local families across Jamshedpur, Noamundi, Kalinganagar and West Bokaro. Focussing on women-led households, they are providing support and training for various activities – from developing 459 kitchen gardens across Jharkhand to creating newspaper bags under their new #CashforWork scheme. This is the time to forge and strengthen bonds with communities.

Driving force | Tata Motors

April 23, 2020

Tata Motors has started the #ThankYouIndianTruckers campaign, to express gratitude to those thousands who are ensuring that all of us are well-provided with essentials. Speaking to Outlook Business, UT Ramprasad, general manager, marketing communications, said, “It was important that we thank them for their contribution during the outbreak.” The company is distributing food packets and personal protective kits to drivers at their Saarthi Aaram Kendra in Narsapura and Bawal. Drivers across the country are being handed out free masks and sanitisers. Additionally, health check-ups and basic medication has been provided to over 500 truckers in Dharwad. That is not all. The company has also distributed over 25,000 packets of cooked food and 5,000 packs of grocery supplies to those stranded -– from migrant labourers to security guards. The company has also set up two helpline numbers for food-related queries, for workers in Lucknow. Apart from this, they are also providing water to 19 police posts in Pune and helping SHGs with manufacturing masks. And knowing Ratan Tata’s philanthropic nature, there might just be more plans in the pipeline.

A ‘Good’ effort | Good Earth

April 23, 2020

When you think of Good Earth, you think of sustainable luxury –- of handlooms and handicrafts. The company is now looking to support the fight against COVID-19 in a small but effective way, by tackling the shortage of hand sanitizers. The brand announced that it is producing and donating hand sanitizers to Delhi-based NGO Goonj, which is working to rehabilitate, and to provide health, sanitation and income assistance to migrant labourers affected by the ongoing crisis. They are also raising funds for the NGO. Good Earth employees have pledged at least one day’s salary for the fund and, to the total raised, the company will add an equal amount. As they say ‘Good’ things come in small packages!

Keeping the spirits high | Bacardi

April 23, 2020

Sanitizers need to have 60-95% alcohol, to fight COVID-19. Therefore, liquor brands such as Bacardi are in a good position to help with the manufacturing of this much-needed hygiene product. By repurposing its co-packing facility in Telangana, the popular brand aims to produce 70,000 litres of it. These bottles will be distributed free of cost across government hospitals in the state. Bacardi is also hoping to start production at its other facilities for distribution in other states. “By boosting the supply of hand sanitizers, we hope to strengthen the fight against COVID-19,” Bacardi India operations director V Muthukumar said. This initiative is a part of Bacardi’s global effort. The company is producing 1.1 million litres across facilities in different countries.

Weaving in the support | Welspun

April 23, 2020

Welspun has announced its plan to manufacture masks and hand wipes. The country can’t get enough of that at present; just ask a local pharmacist. “Having ramped up our manufacturing capacity, we will now be making two million masks in the coming weeks, as opposed to a few thousands produced previously. We are also working towards manufacturing hand wipes for common use in few hundred thousand packs per week,” said BK Goenka, chairman, Welspun Group. The company is looking to distribute these masks and sanitary wipes to departments and organisations working in essential services such as police, district, municipality, ports and NGOs. Goenka says, “We have been working to assist the government and society by manufacturing smart non-woven products and medium for diverse applications around safety clothing, filtration, personal hygiene and cosmetic segments.” Well done, Welspun!

Feeding India | Muthoot Group

April 23, 2020

As Kerala continues to successfully flatten the curve, Kerala-based Muthoot Group has been helping distribute free foodgrain and essentials to 15,000 families across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Goa. It is being done as part of their CSR initiative, by coordinating with local NGOs, State officials and politicians. George Alexander Muthoot, managing director, says, “We all must rise to the occasion and do our every bit to help countless those who need our love and support.” Apart from distributing food, the company is supporting community kitchens organised by the state governments. It has also provided masks, gloves and sanitizers to the health workers and police personnel. The mark of a golden heart!

Life support | Maruti Suzuki

April 23, 2020

Taking a cue from Ford and Jaguar, Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) has also joined the fight to breathe life into ventilator production. MSIL has entered into an agreement with ventilator manufacturer AgVa Healthcare to scale up production of ventilators to around 10,000 units per month. According to a company statement, the responsibility for technology and performance of ventilators will be with AgVa Healthcare while MSIL will use suppliers to produce the required volume of components, check quality and upgrade systems, all free of cost. MSIL joint ventures Krishna Maruti and Bharat Seatshave also joined the effort. The former would be manufacturing three-ply masks for supply to the Haryana and central governments, while the latter would also be manufacturing protective clothing as soon as approvals are in place.

Winning hearts | Ashok Leyland

April 23, 2020

Staying true to their tagline Apki Jeet, Hamari Jeet, vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has come forward to support Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The power solutions business vertical of the company has already sent a 250 kVA generator set to Tiruvallur General Hospital and a 62.5 kVA generator set to the 150-bed special ward of Madurai Medical College to support the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Another 250 KVA genset is being commissioned at the Chromepet Government Hospital in Chennai. On the initiatives taken, Balachandar NV, president – HR, communications and CSR, says, “We shall work with the government at every step.” The company has earmarked 10 vehicles along with drivers for emergency logistic use of the healthcare department. Like other companies, Ashok Leyland too is supplying masks, gloves, handwashes, sanitisers, body suits, disinfectant and even protective suit and goggles for the sanitation staff.

Dance, music and donations | TikTok India

April 23, 2020

What comes to your mind when one says TikTok? Entertainment, funny dances and movie dialogues? While the brand looks at things from the lighter side, it has taken on a serious tone as it joins other brands to fight against the growing global pandemic. The company is donating is 400,000 hazmat suits to medical workers. “With support from the Ministry of Textile, this essential gear is being handed over to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” the company says in a statement. They are also contributing to local and state level workers through 200,000 masks that have been donated to the Delhi and Maharashtra governments. They have also launched the #GharBaithoIndia campaign to encourage TikTok users to stay at home and follow social distancing. Under the hashtag, users can find various ideas and things to be done while at home with contributions from celebrities, TikTok content creators as well as original music and games.

Wholesome support | Tata Steel

April 23, 2020

From finance and training the disadvantaged to supporting and equipping frontline workers, Tata Steel and its foundation have announced a series of initiatives. One crucial need is correct information and their #DigitalBridges campaign, implemented through the panchayats, is addressing that. The team has trained members of 219 panchayats for this. Sourav Roy, Tata Steel’s head of CSR says that their text and digital modules give information people can use and bust myths, and this is even done through regular and WhatsApp calls. Under their #ThoughtforFood campaign, millions of meals have been served. The company is also producing 100,000 masks for frontline workers by around 155 local families across Jamshedpur, Noamundi, Kalinganagar and West Bokaro. Focussing on women-led households, they are providing support and training for various activities – from developing 459 kitchen gardens across Jharkhand to creating newspaper bags under their new #CashforWork scheme. This is the time to forge and strengthen bonds with communities.

SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India | Class apart

April 23, 2020

ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India is racing to do its bit, through donations and repurposing its manufacturing facility. They are donating financial aid of Rs.10 million to Sassoon Hospital, Pune, and will be setting up a COVID-19 facility with critical care equipment and essential medical consumables. The company has also prototyped, developed and produced reusable face shields to offer a primary level of protection to healthcare providers. They will also be supporting hospitals in Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad with 35,000 sanitisers, and importing essential medical supplies to India through Volkswagen AG. Seeing the growing need for face masks for medical personnel, the company will be manufacturing reusable face masks at their Chakan facility for healthcare providers. Apart from medical supplies, they have also partnered with Annamitra Foundation to distribute 50,000 food packets to those in need in Aurangabad, till the lockdown is over. We need more such hands at the wheel.

Godrej Group | In safe hands

April 16, 2020

Good wishes are all well but, where money must be spent, money must be given. Therefore, funds such as that set up by The Godrej Group has always helpful. The group has set aside Rs.500 million for “community support initiatives” across the country. It has already begun its work Maharashtra by supporting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) through a Rs.50-million donation, supplying medical equipment and donating 115 hospital beds to the state government hospitals, among other things. The company is also exploring how it can “leverage its medical refrigerators’ business, construction capabilities to build quarantine rooms, and expertise in mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for hospitals” in the coming days. When expertise is being offered in a silver platter, where’s the hesitation?

Zomato | Delivering Support

April 16, 2020

Queues in front of grocery stores and crashing online retail apps speak of a dire shortage of daily essentials and food. The worst affected are around 450 million Indians, who depend on their daily wages, which aren’t coming with the halting of many businesses. A day after the Janata Curfew, food delivery giant Zomato decided to act and started its donation campaign, Feed The Daily Wager, under its initiative Feeding India.

”Non-formal education centres where we served freshly cooked food started reaching out to us informing us about the number of families impacted in their locality. That is when we decided to design a programme, where we could provide immediate relief to the daily wager communities,” says Chandan Mendiratta, head, Zomato Feeding India, adding, “We found a colony in New Delhi which consists of 2800 families of magicians, puppeteers, acrobats, jugglers, singers and others who depend on daily wages to make their ends meet. We decided to deploy our resources and were able to provide ration kits that could last two weeks, within 24 hours.” Founder Deepinder Goyal had set a target of Rs.250 million, which has now been increased to Rs.500 million, to distribute ration to daily wagers’ families through crowdsourcing. Goyal, who is active on Twitter, says that in the 24 hours after the lockdown was announced on March 25, the campaign was able to raise Rs.65 million. As of now, the fund has reached Rs.228 million, with Dream 11 and Dream Sports Foundation showing support through donations. Zomato has partnered with Grofers and Big Bazaar to pack ration kits consisting of wheat flour or rice, two types of pulses and a bar of soap, which is estimated to help a family of five for a week. These kits, costing Rs.500 each, are being distributed through 20 plus local NGO partners across country. Meanwhile, Zomato has started a fund to compensate the wage losses of its delivery partners, who are gig workers who earn per delivery. Those who feed us should never go hungry.

Aditya Birla Group | All Fronts

April 16, 2020

A behemoth of India Inc, The Aditya Birla Group, has been generous with money and its involvement during this pandemic. Besides announcing a contribution of Rs.4 billion to the PM-CARES Fund, it has also announced a Rs.500 million grant to FICCI-Aditya Birla CSR Centre for Excellence for Covid relief measures. It has allocated another Rs.500 million towards supply of 1 million N95 masks, 280,000 personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as ventilators, is also working on production of 1 million triple layer surgical masks and 100,000 coverall garments. The group is working towards setting up a 100-bed COVID-19 facility at Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai, in partnership with BMC. "Given the severity of the disruption, there is a compelling need for a multi-pronged response that includes financial and material support, healthcare assistance and community responsibility," said Rajashree Birla, chairperson, Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in a statement. Investing must be the last thing on your mind during this lockdown. Or is the first thing? If you are of the latter inclination, scrolling through the social media feed from the group and its verticals, you’ll get interesting tidbits on this. The virus response truly has to be from multiple fronts.

 

Bajaj Group | Key Interventions

April 16, 2020

Bajaj Group has pledged Rs.1 billion, as it works with the government and NGOs to help make resources — such as infrastructure, food and monetary aid — available across the country. In infrastructure, it is serving Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and rural Pune, by upgrading ICUs in their private hospitals, procuring equipment and setting up isolation wards. In food intervention, it is supplying meals, shelter and other essentials to daily wage workers and the homeless. For monetary aid, the company is planning an economic support programmes for rural areas, with a revolving fund. In this, “the family pays back the loan from the earnings of the livelihood intervention — leading to 80% of funds provided to family being returned to a community fund for further deployment to others in need within the community,” Bajaj Group Chairman Rahul Bajaj said in a company statement. Hamara Bajaj is earning the title.

 

Nivea India | Beauty in Action

April 16, 2020

Skincare brand Nivea serves both beauty and the heart, it seems. Understanding the shortage of sanitisers, the company is working with partners to produce and distribute these hygiene products free-of-cost. They will be given away at public hotspots and public healthcare institutions in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and to distribution partners across the country. The production is being done at its Sanand plant, from where it manufactures skincare products for the India market. A company statement said, “We have been in constant touch with the local authorities and our key partners, having worked very hard over the past few weeks to make the switch at our plant and formulate the liquid hand sanitizers.” The commitment by the brand definitely is more than skin deep.

 

Reliance Jio | Team Up, Online

April 16, 2020

Reliance Jio is to keep India connected through its Corona Harega, India Jeetega initiative. Under this, Jio subscribers’ many requirements – across health, work and learning – are met. For health, the company has added a ‘COVID Special’ section on its app, which has info on symptoms, test centres and the virus itself, and government statistics. They have also partnered with the government for the MyGov Corona Helpdesk, by getting their subsidiary JioHaptik Technologies to create a chatbot for answering questions answered related to COVID-19. For work and learning, the company has tied up with Microsoft, and gives Jio subscribers free access to Microsoft Teams. This can also be used to meet up with friends online, on a Friday night, or to gossip with family. Why not Jio to the fullest?

 

Ola | Take wheel

April 16, 2020

To help its drivers, Ola India has started The Drive The Driver Fund. When the lockdown began, usage of the ride-sharing apps plunged to zilch and dragged down the income of drivers. Ola’s fund, among the many initiatives it has started through its foundation, is to help them tide over this extended disruption. The initial contribution of Rs.200 million came from the company and its employees. Co-founder and CEO Bhavish Kumar also has decided to forgo his salary for one year. The company now aims to crowdsource an additional Rs.300 million from the general public. Through the fund, the foundation will provide the drivers with “medical insurance for COVID-19, essential grocery staples and emergency medical funds.” The company has also waived off their EMI and lease rentals during this period. Speaking to Outlook Business, a company spokesperson said that the company is directing its energy towards helping their driver partners, rather than doing a marketing or advertising campaign. “The company is providing tips and updates on protection from coronavirus to not only customers through the app but also to driver-partners, through the driver apps and other mediums, translated in various local languages, in order to keep them and their families safe,” the spokesperson added. The drivers, who have taken us home after parties, night outs and late office meetings, are asking for a lift. Are we ready to take the wheel?

 

Zerodha | Gilded Heart

April 16, 2020

It’s not every day that you find the founder of a successful stock-broking company hitting the streets to help daily wagers and slum dwellers get hot meals. Partnering with the Bengaluru police, Zerodha’s co-founder and CIO Nikhil Kamath has been doing just that, supervising this effort in the city across localities. He plans to continue this throughout the duration of this lockdown. “Right now we are serving around 3,000-4,000 meals a day but I am expecting by the weekend this will go upto 10,000 as we expand into other localities. The police department has been helpful,” says Kamath. The food is prepared in the kitchens of Smally’s, a hotel chain that the company has invested in. Meanwhile, Kamath will also be importing and supplying masks and sanitisers to the police and healthcare departments of the city. Later, Kamath also plans to helps small businesses affected by the lockdown. At Zerodha, working on social projects such as building toilets and planting trees is an annual ritual. Follow the lead, startupreneurs.

 

Viacom 18 | Creative Genius

April 16, 2020

Entertainment industry is glitz and glamour, and runs on the hardwork of many daily wagers. Viacom18, who is at the heart of this business, know how crucial these workers’ contribution is and how equally vulnerable they are. Therefore, the media and entertainment conglomerate has decided to extend financial support to all daily wagers engaged with the production of all its original content, across India. Additionally, it has partnered with GiveIndia to roll out a nationwide fundraising campaign to support these workers across industries. Besides financial aid, the company is offering a part of its content library to keep India entertained at home. Firstly, it has made ColorsRishtey available as a Free-To-Air channel until further notice. Secondly, the company will also be making select content available on Doordarshan. Also on its OTT platform VOOT, it reduced the HD and Ultra HD streaming quality to SD (standard definition) to prevent overload on the cellular network infrastructure.

 

PayTM | Bills Together

April 16, 2020

Everyone hates paying bills. The best is when everything comes for free. Paytm has come up with the second-best option, of making payments easy. It has revamped its app UI with a dedicated tab, ‘Stay at home essential payments’, listing all the possible billed services under one category. Besides water and electricity, services and products covered under this include credit card, insurance premium, phone bills and even DTH recharge. “Multiple teams worked swiftly overnight to achieve this,” says Amit Veer, senior vice president. The payment app is also tackling fake news and misinformation with an information and help centre, #IndiaFightsCorona in the app. This constantly updates verified information from government bodies and health authorities. This section has a COVID-19 self-assessment scanning powered by Apollo 24/7 developed on the basis of guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. While this scan cannot be taken as expert medical advice, it helps people to understand if a person is at risk. The company is also looking to raise Rs.5 billion for the PM Relief Fund. Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma has decided to forgo his salary for two months for this. For every contribution or any other payment made on Paytm using the wallet, UPI and Paytm Bank debit card, the company will contribute an extra amount, upto Rs.10 in the fund. “We have managed to raise Rs.350 million in 36 hours of the launch,” says Veer. Log in and be generous then.

Fortis Hospitals | Chatbot Screening

April 16, 2020

“Corona se darona, Namaste karona!” is the slogan for Fortis Hospitals’ awareness lectures to the communities and corporates. In February alone the team conducted 16 such sessions. Interestingly, its website is also hosting a chatbot, which can do web screening based on a person’s symptoms, gender, location and risk profile. That seems like a step ahead of other private hospitals. The hospital chain was prepared, with dedicated facilities and quarantine beds, much before the first victim was reported in India. “In Mumbai alone we have around 35 beds dedicated to the patients and started a COVID clinic. We have been providing various facilities to treat the disease and have even started teleconsultation post the lockdown,” says Rinku Mavani, business partner-sales, Mumbai region. Namaste to the foresight.

 

Rebel Foods | Hi-tech Kitchens

April 16, 2020

On March 26, a day after the lockdown announcement, Rebel Foods CEO Raghav Joshi got a call from the Delhi Health Ministry at 9pm. Hoards of daily wagers and labourers trying to return to their hometowns were stranded at ISBT and the authority requested Joshi to arrange food for them. “Within a few hours we managed to serve around 1,200 meals. We continued with our services at various locations within Delhi and Hyderabad,” says Joshi. “Till date we have distributed around 12,000 meals and are looking to touch 70,000 meals in the coming few days as we have also got information from the government bodies in Maharashtra,” he adds. The campaign has been named #FoodForGood and will have the support of the company’s 320-kitchen network across the country. The team is gearing up to run the operations in full swing as the effect of lockdown continues to slow. What’s more? In one-of-a-kind innovation in the food-delivery industry, Rebel Foods has integrated a body “temperature tracker” for its kitchen employees on the website and apps. Once a customer places an order, he gets to see track in real-time the body temperatures of the staff cooking and handling his meals. The same gets printed on the bill when he receives the order. “In case, there is even a slight deviation in the normal body temperature, the employee will be unable to log in to the kitchen,” explains Joshi. This tracker has been introduced across India, UAE and Southeast Asia. This is a Rebel with a cause.

 

Infosys | Quarantine Facility

April 16, 2020

Joining forces with the government and Dr Devi Shetty’s Narayana Health City, Infosys’ CSR arm Infosys Foundation is committing Rs.1 billion to fight the pandemic. Of the promised contribution, Rs.500 million is for the PM CARES Fund. This will be used to increase hospital capacity for treating the infected across country, buying ventilators, and providing test kits, masks and other protective gear to healthcare workers. Along with Narayana Health, the company will also open a 100-room quarantine facility at the hospital. The foundation is supplying 21-day food packages and hygiene kits to the daily wagers and the needy across Bengaluru. Each food pack contains staples such as rice, lentils, cooking oil and other cooking essentials. Sudha Murty, chairperson, Infosys Foundation says, “Diseases often hit the underprivileged the hardest, because they cannot afford proper treatment, and at the same time, they lose their livelihood.”

 

Aziz Premji Foundation | Spirit of Wipro

April 16, 2020

Aziz Premji Foundation and Wipro are diving in, to help the country’s fight against the virus. It has made a commitment of a whopping Rs.11.25 billion towards this, and it is bringing together communities and government institutions. Of the contribution, Rs.10 billion is from the Aziz Premji Foundation while Rs.1 billion and Rs.250 million are being given by Wipro and Wipro Enterprises, respectively. The foundation has laid out a pandemic response plan. They are looking to tackle two main issues that have come to the forefront -– healthcare and humanitarian aid. It plans a comprehensive response in specific geographies, and it will prioritise immediate humanitarian aid, and augmentation of healthcare capacity. “These efforts will fully leverage the technology expertise, sourcing systems, infrastructure, and distribution reach of Wipro,” says the company statement. That should be a huge confidence-booster to citizens, that the resources of one of the most valuable Indian companies will work together to help us through this. The effort will be coordinated with government institutions, and executed by Azim Premji Foundation’s 1,600-person team. This time it is go big or go home.

 

Kotak Mahindra Group | Bank on this

April 16, 2020

Money is pouring in from corporate and responsible business heads, among them Kotak Mahindra Group and its MD Uday Kotak. The group has announced a decision to contribute Rs.350 million towards tackling the crisis. Of this, Rs.250 million is for the PM CARES fund. Uday Kotak has announced an additional personal contribution of Rs.250 million to that fund. The bank is supporting its employees by offering to reimburse the cost of  COVID-19 tests for them and their family members, since the tests can be expensive. That offer would cover a massive number since the group employs around 60,000. Besides this, the Kotak Mahindra Bank’s branches will work for lesser hours, and fumigation of all its offices will be done regularly.

 

Piramal Group | Help at many levels

April 16, 2020

Money seems to be flowing into the PM CARES Fund, from India Inc and concerned citizens. Piramal group too has pledged Rs.250 million. The Piramal Foundation is also working with the government, to help provide support in various remote areas in the country through its three main initiatives. Under Piramal Swasthya, the foundation will be working with public health workers in seven states to set up health helplines, for relief measures and health advisories. The helpline is currently receiving at least 50,000 calls a day. The Piramal School of Leadership is offering its training facilities and schools to district authorities to be used as isolation centres. Piramala Sarvajal, the free and clean drinking water enterprise that “provides safe drinking water through its ATMs to around 700,000 beneficiaries” has now “enabled a smartcard technology to mitigate transmission of the coronavirus.” Additionally, Piramal Group Chairman Ajay Piramal has pledged his help to the Maharashtra state government, towards channelising resources for better state healthcare infrastructure. With money and support, business community is coming through for the country, in its time of need.

 

Larsen and Toubro (L&T) | Generous Spender

April 16, 2020

L&T is spending generously to help the country and its own workforce. Firstly, it has announced a donation of Rs.1.5 billion to the PM-Cares Fund, and secondly, it has earmarked Rs.5 billion per month to support contract workers associated with the company. This support includes “continued wages, food and basic amenities at labour camps”. The workers will also have 24X7 access to hospitals and doctors for employees. To help the government, L&T is looking to convert its training centres into isolation centres, and L&T Smart World & Communication has installed smart technologies across various cities including Hyderabad, Nagpur and Pune. Engineering solutions, always.

 

Mankind Pharma | Rs.510-million fund

April 16, 2020

Mankind Pharma’s latest campaign #Thanksforbeingmyfamily is a sweet gesture in appreciation of the medical fraternity. The country’s fourth largest pharma company released a short video on their social media channels, thanking these professionals, who are away from their own loved ones while providing care and support for us. The company has also promised Rs.510 million to the CM Relief Fund, and will be donating ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) and medicines to the states reporting maximum number of positive cases. Employees of the pharma major are contributing a day’s salary towards the relief fund. According to Johns Hopkins University Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, and Princeton University; the demand for ventilators in India is expected to surge to 1 million by July 2020, while the availability is between 30,000 and 50,000. “We pledge to protect and empower our hospitals which can treat the patients more efficiently.” says RC Juneja, chairman, Mankind Pharma.

 

HDFC Group | Money bags

April 16, 2020

When it’s the citizens who have made HDFC the largest and most trusted private bank network of the country, how can it miss out on an opportunity to serve them? The financial services conglomerate HDFC Group has committed a donation of Rs 1.5 billion to the PM CARES Fund to help in relief and rehabilitation measures amidst an ever-growing number of positive cases. Chairman Deepak Parek in a statement says, “The HDFC Group's support to the PM Cares Fund is to commend the exemplary efforts of the Central and State governments, armed and paramilitary forces, local police, healthcare professionals and sanitation workers across the country, who are working tirelessly day in and out to fight the pandemic.";

 

JCB India | Movers and Shakers

April 16, 2020

When a JCB rolls in, you know things are going to start moving. The construction equipment manufacturing major has decided to align with Asian Institute of Medical Sciences in Faridabad, funding the institution’s requirement of PPEs, medicines, testing kits, security suits and consumables for doctors and healthcare workers. It is to provide comprehensive support facilities to affected patients in Faridabad (where the company’s headquarters is located) and surrounding areas, beginning with a 40-bed facility. The company is also distributing food and essential supplies to communities it works in.

 

Swiggy | Helping Hand

April 16, 2020

Swiggy, country’s largest food-delivery platform, is using its might to serve the underprivileged and a few of its partner restaurants. For the first, it has begun serving meals, a drive that will last through the 21-day lockdown. Funds are being crowd-sourced from corporates and individuals for this. For the partner restaurants, this proves a lifeline since the hospitality industry is crumbling without patrons. Sriharsha Majety, CEO, said, "There are restaurants that run the very real risk of shutting down permanently due to lack of business.” Starting from camps across Delhi, Swiggy has been organising and distributing meals twice a day. The initiative has since travelled to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Chennai and Kolkata, supplying over 75,000 meals daily. The goal is serve 500,000 meals a day, and for this, Swiggy is accepting customer donations through the ‘Hope, Not Hunger’ initiative run through the Swiggy App. It has also set up a Milaap campaign. A Rs.250 contribution can provide a day’s meals to a family of four. Care to ‘Swiggy’ a meal for another?

 

Radico | Extra-Strong Hygiene

April 16, 2020

Companies producing sanitizers alone cannot meet the sudden spike in demand, which is why, alcohol manufacturers are stepping in. One of these is Radico Khaitan, one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in India. The company is known for brands including Magic Moments Vodka and Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky, and it has procured the license to make sanitizers a few days ago. It has already distributed the first batch to government authorities and hospitals in a few states. The Radico 8PM Extra Strong Hand Sanitizer is available in different variants in different parts of the country, including Telangana, Karnataka, Hyderabad and Uttar Pradesh. These are supplied in bulk as well as in small units, such as 90 ml and 200 ml in UP, and 60 ml and 750 ml in Karnataka. Currently, these are sold only through B2B channels, but the company plans to make the sanitizers available in retail channels soon. And for that, we say not ‘cheers’, but ‘three cheers’!

Bizongo | Unstoppable

April 16, 2020

In this war-like effort, the supply-chain of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for front-line workers must work seamlessly. Bizongo is ensuring that. It is offering its proprietary platform to procure and supply the kits to those in need, such as hospitals, pharmacies, providers of essential goods of services, NGOs and other medical facilities across public and private sectors. The business-to-business packaging company has set up a dedicated taskforce, which has mapped capacities of around 40 certified manufacturers of PPEs and captured demand from various government authorities across states. They also launched a microsite with live tracking of demand and supply. What’s more, the site can accept donations for the public healthcare service providers. Their first shipment, of masks, caps, shoe covers and sanitisers, was delivered to BigBasket, Zomato and Shadowfax. Alongside, the B2B company has been supplying packaging material to all the essential goods suppliers including pharma, diagnostic labs, and food services companies. True to its name, Bizongo is a business-on-the-go!

 

Vivo | Masked heroes

April 16, 2020

All superheroes must wear masks to defeat the supervillains, and so must we. Except there aren’t that many to go around, even for those in the frontline, such as healthworkers. Therefore, Chinese smartphone brand Vivo has pledged to donate 100,000 medical masks to the Government of Maharashtra. The company also donated 5,000 N-95 masks that are designed to filter airborne particles. This is the company’s tribute to healthworkers, who are working overtime when the entire country is in lockdown. NipunMarya, director-brand strategy, Vivo India, says, “In these crucial times, it is vital that we all stand united and contribute towards containing this global health pandemic.” The company is also suspending all its product launches, during this period. The state’s Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare, Rajesh Tope thanked the company for its contribution and said that all other corporates should follow suit. India Inc has been helping out in many fronts.

 

IndiGo | Each for all

April 16, 2020

Aviation sector has been flying through turbulence for a while now, with cut-throat competition and high fuel prices. Then came the pandemic and global travel went over a cliff. Airlines have had to ask staff to take a pay cut, some up to 25%. Despite all their troubles, airlines such as IndiGo have stepped in to help with this crisis. True to their motto, "all for each and each for all", this low-cost carrier has offered its resources, aircraft and crew to ferry medicine, equipment and relief material from one part of the country to another. It will cost the carrier a pretty penny, even then. In a letter to the Hardeep Singh Puri, Aviation Minister, IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta says, “Please be assured that all our employees are highly motivated in the service of this country and are eagerly looking for opportunities in which to contribute. We would consider it an honour if you would engage us in this activity.” Soar higher IndiGo!

Hero Cycles | One billion wishes

April 16, 2020

The rapid spread of Coronavirus has taken a toll on the existing systems, whether in healthcare or trade. The urgent need is to ramp up capacities, and that means money, lots and lots of it. Therefore, companies such as Hero Cycles are offering just that. The cycle manufacturer has set up a Rs.1-billion contingency fund, and an emergency monitoring cell headed by chairman Pankaj Munjal. The cell will closely track the health, social and economic effects of the pandemic and accordingly disperse the fund to help government bodies across states, especially the ones which have its major manufacturing units such as Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, it is also providing medical support to its employees and their families, and the communities around its key manufacturing facilities. Munjal said, at a press conference, “We understand that long-term lockdowns are bound to impact the supply chains and livelihoods associated with our business. At such a time, we want to make sure that we do our best in cushioning our partners, distributors, associates, employees and the communities we work in against economic troubles.” Similar initiatives have been taken by its parent, Hero Motors Company, for its subsidiaries in the UK and Germany, where it has significant presence. May more such heroes rise.

Parle G | Comfort food

April 16, 2020

“Bharat ka apna biscuit” (India’s own biscuit) is how the company describes the household staple Parle-G, in its latest social media posting. The brand is hoping to support individuals and families who are finding it difficult to procure supplies and food during the 21-day lockdown. They are working with government agencies across the county to distribute 10 million biscuit packets per week, over the next three weeks. Mayank Shah, category head at Parle, says, “Biscuits have a longer shelf life and can be distributed easily. It is the first food available in any natural calamity, crisis or any conflict.” The government partnership, he says, will help them reach out to a larger number of people, beyond their current distribution capacity. Shah says that the company is always humbled and taken by surprise by the brand loyalty and love that people have for the product whenever they introduce such initiatives. “There are people who have come and said (since the announcement was made) that once the lockdown is over, they will purchase 10 times the amount of Parle-G they usually buy!”  The brand, he adds, is more than just a biscuit for many Indians. “It is a staple, a comfort,” he says. The company is currently in the final stages of discussion with various government agencies to assess distribution and requirements, and is ramping up production in order to fulfill the requirements. To more such Swad Bhare moments.

Spotify | Soul music

April 15, 2020

Coronavirus isn't music to the ears, but Spotify's combat plan sure is. The global music streaming giant launched the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project, which recommends verified organisations that offer financial relief to those in the music community most in need around the world. They have partnered with MusiCares, PRS Foundation and Help Musicians for now, and are adding more partners worldwide. Spotify is making a donation to these organisations and will match donations made via the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief page dollar-for-dollar up to a total contribution of $10 million. Spotify will also launch a feature for artists to fundraise directly from fans. Artists on the platform can link out to a verified funding page, for another artist in need or a separate initiative of their choice. Besides this fundraising initiatives, Spotify will also allow artistes to use SoundBetter having to share revenue, educators to do free trials of cloud-based audio recording platform Soundtrap and podcasters to use Anchor without paying a fee for its Listener Support feature. Tune in, the good thing’s here to stay too.