The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation announced today that it will be donating $1o million to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic - adding to the list of fashion houses joining to fight against the coronavirus.
The funds will reportedly be split across different initiatives, including the Emergency Assistance Foundation, the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, as well as others.
Chris Hemsworth is offering 6 weeks of free virtual workouts:In a statement posted to the brand's website this morning, the company wrote:
"Now more than ever, in this time of need, supporting each other has become our mission. Our teams have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to this mission, and we want to thank them for their resilience and unity in these unprecedented times. We also want to thank you, our customer, for your patience and optimism in the face of uncertainty.
As we face this challenge as a global community, our hope is to continue to be the beacon of optimism and unity that Ralph Lauren and our brands have always been to the world. Below is a summary of the actions we are taking as we work to protect the health and well-being of our teams, our customers, and the communities we serve."
Ralph Lauren will also provide financial assistance to its employees through the Emergency Assistance Foundation for those "facing special circumstances like medical, eldercare or childcare needs."
And as a legacy fashion house, some of the money will be donated to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) / Vogue Fashion Fund for COVID-19 - something that the statement details will be the brand's "inaugural gift" to "support the American fashion community impacted by the pandemic."
"At the heart of our company, there has always been a spirit of togetherness that inspires our creativity, our confidence and most importantly our support for one another. In the past weeks and months, that spirit has never wavered," the statement continued. "We believe that no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all connected. That is why we are taking significant action to help our teams and communities through this crisis."
On Instagram, Ralph Lauren announced that select stores will be temporarily shuttered, but highlighted that employees will continue to be paid:
"The wellbeing of our teams, friends and family around the world is what matters most right now. We are temporarily closing stores and hospitality locations in select countries, and our employees will be paid during the closure. We encourage you to focus on your family, your safety and your health. It is our hope that we can inspire optimism and unity – not just for our teams, but for our wider global family. It is in the spirit of togetherness that we will rise."
As well as a $10 million donation, Ralph Lauren is also preparing to produce medical-grade protective materials, including gowns and masks for frontline workers. Per WWD, the brand is using its US team to create 25,000 isolation gowns and 250,000 masks.