Whirlpool Corporation donated to frontline medical and research organizations in Italy to help respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Italy has been one of the worst affected countries in Europe, with over 20,000 deaths, many of which are concentrated in the Lombardy region, which includes major cities such as Milan. Hospitals and emergency workers have been struggling to respond to the scale of the pandemic, with shortages in medical equipment such as masks, appropriate clothing and ventilators.
In response, Whirlpool has provided funding and support to the cities and regions in Italy where Whirlpool has a significant presence, including Milan, Varese, Marche region, Siena and Naples.
In addition to the €300,000 donated by the company, Whirlpool employees have also been encouraged to contribute to the various initiatives in Italy. As of April 17, an additional €60,000 has been raised by Whirlpool employees – an enormous achievement.
In order to expedite efforts to end the pandemic, Whirlpool is funding research projects at Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan and Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences in Siena, which are both working to develop a cure for coronavirus.
Meanwhile, in Varese, Marche Region and Naples, funds are being used to purchase important medical equipment, including masks and ventilators for hospitals and medical centers. Separately, 20,000 surgical face masks were donated to hospitals in the Lombardy and Marche regions.
Gilles Morel, President for EMEA at Whirlpool, said: “As the spread of coronavirus continues to have a significant impact on the communities within which we work and live in Italy, we want to play our part in supporting the vital and courageous work being carried out by a number of hospitals and research bodies in the country to respond to this unprecedented crisis.”
“We are donating €300.000 to support a variety of activities, ranging from research into a cure for coronavirus in Milan and Siena, to the purchase of vital medical equipment for local hospitals across the territories. We are working closely with both national and local governments to ensure that this support is used effectively and reaches those who need it most.”
“These challenging times call for us all to come together and support each other. At Whirlpool, we are fully committed to doing everything we can to support our colleagues, partners and communities.”
A full list of the initiatives and organizations that Whirlpool is supporting:
Milan Area
Lombardy Region Funding the construction of the new hospital at Fiera Milano City.
Luigi Sacco Hospital Funding Professor Galli’s research project to find a cure to coronavirus.
Varese Area
UniVA (local industrial association) Funding the purchase of medical equipment for local hospitals.
Marche Region
Ospedale Riuniti Torrette di Ancona Funding the purchase of medical equipment (masks, ventilators, swabs).
Siena
Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences Support for scientific research on finding a cure to the disease.
Naples
Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli – Ospedale Domenico Cotugno Funding the purchase of medical equipment (masks, ventilators, swabs).