French luxury group Kering has announced a range of concrete initiatives to support the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. One of these initiatives includes the delivery and production of surgical masks. On March 22nd, Kering announced the first delivery of three million masks to French healthcare services. These masks, sourced from China, will be supplemented in the coming days by masks manufactured directly in the French workshops of Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. Production operations will commence as soon as the necessary processes and materials are approved by the competent authorities to ensure compliance with current health regulations. Additionally, Gucci, another brand within the Kering group, is mobilizing in Italy to address the equipment needs of healthcare personnel. Over the next few weeks, Gucci plans to produce 1.1 million surgical masks and 55,000 medical gowns, pending the required health authorizations.
Beyond the provision of masks, Kering is also providing financial support. The luxury group anticipates a 15% decline in its first quarter 2020 revenue and has made a financial donation to the Institut Pasteur to aid in coronavirus research. Just a few days ago, Kering donated two million euros to be distributed among various Italian organizations and health institutions. Earlier this year, the group provided financial aid to the Hubei Red Cross Foundation in China.
The actions undertaken by Kering demonstrate its dedication to supporting healthcare services and research in the global battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Through the provision of masks and financial assistance, the luxury group is playing its part in the worldwide effort to combat the spread of the virus and safeguard the well-being of individuals globally. These initiatives exemplify Kering’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its determination to make a positive impact during these challenging times.
Useful links:
1. [Institut Pasteur](https://www.pasteur.fr/fr)
2. [Hubei Red Cross Foundation](https://english.redcross.org.cn/)
