The luxury global brand, Gucci has launched a new phase of charity efforts amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Gucci has announced that it will give $500,000 to UNICEF to help with the global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, once it is approved.
The brand will also match up to $100,000 of funds raised during its “21-day challenge”—an initiative running through December 26, which asks the Gucci community to contribute donations through the company’s online platform.
Gucci’s cash will fund activities such as the supply of test kits to curb community transmission, cold chain equipment to keep doses of vaccines effective and the transport of vaccines.
UNICEF is “working on the equitable global supply and distribution of a safe COVID-19 vaccine when available,” UNICEF’S USA President said in a statement.
“No one is truly free unless we are all free: this also includes being free from sickness,” Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s CEO, said in a statement.
“Now that a COVID-19 vaccine appears to be ready for use, the true challenge is ensuring that it is procured and distributed fairly.” He added, “This is a global battle, a global effort, and the commitment also needs to be global.”