The nation is grappling through the most unprecedented times, with the second wave of pandemics turning India into the global coronavirus hotspot. On June 4th India recorded 1,13,261 new COVID-19 cases and 2,059 new deaths. A total of 2,86,86,764 cases and 3,42,790 deaths have been reported in the country so far.
Brands and businesses were affected by the second wave. Despite the crisis they are facing, brands are taking initiatives to curb the situation in the best way possible. From communication initiatives to the supply of essential medical equipment like oxygen cylinders to arranging vaccination drives for the employees and their families, brands are setting examples of how to stand for the nation in a crisis period.
ZEEL & ZEE Kannada
Zee Kannada has organized a free vaccination drive in the channel’s office space. The vaccination was administered not only to the channel’s crew and their family but also to the other collaborators of Zee Kannada, which includes their partners, vendors, and all the associates of the Zee Kannada channel.
The vaccination campaign is part of a network initiative from ZEE entertainment enterprises Ltd.
Nippon Paint India
Nippon Paint India is stepping up its ongoing vaccination drive and other medical support initiatives for its employees and families. In addition, Nippon has been taking initiatives such as insurance coverage, leave assistance, reimbursement for COVID tests, and sponsoring vaccination shots. Nippon has also partnered with Sweden-based telemedicine provider Doc Online to provide free medical assistance and consultations. Nippon has also rolled out support programs to help families in case of the sudden demise of an employee, which includes annual salary, childcare, and education support, and employment opportunities for family members if they wish to work with Nippon.
Lenskart
Lenskart, under its Lenskart Foundation, launched a COVID Relief Helpline. The whats-app- based helpline allows anyone to message on the number with their requirement and help they need regarding COVID-19, e.g. medicines, injections, oxygen support, getting lab tests done etc. The helpline also provides expert information on what to do if diagnosed with COVID-19, helps patients connect with COVID-expert doctors, finding a bed in a hospital/ ICU/ ventilator, etc.
Paytm Insider
The Fundraiser Week organized by Paytm Insider to raise funds for COVID-19 relief saw heart-warming support from the audience, whose collective donations amounted to over Rs. 50 Lakh.
The idea of the Fundraiser Week was to help maximum people through various NGOs & charities. The amount raised has been distributed to 20+ organizations, including Hemkunt Foundation, Khaana Chahiye, SEWA for Artists, Feeding On Far, Friendicoes, Khalsa Aid, and more.
House of Cheer
House of Cheer, a company, promoted by Raj Nayak, has announced it is making available one of its service, tech-enabled Employee Voice 24/7 platform, to small, medium, and large companies, free of cost.
It was launched under the happiness.me brand, Employee Voice 24/7 will be offered to every company (small, medium & large) across India for an extended period of six months.
Employee Voice 24/7 empowers C-Suite leaders to listen to their people to better understand, in real-time, how they are feeling. Across all organizations, the service will enable every single employee to anonymously share how she/he is feeling at any given point of time, 24/7, even multiple times a day.
Cognizant
Cognizant, announced its nationwide drive to vaccinate more than 650,000 associates, their families, support teams and continue delivery of life-saving supplies to worst-hit communities including 1000oxygenated beds, ventilators, and vaccinations through USD8.5 million (approximately 60 crores) in COVID relief funding.
The efforts are a part of – Operation C3 -Cognizant’s COVID-19 rapid response program to combat the epidemic which is aimed at protecting the health and safety of associates, their families, and extends to enterprise and vulnerable communities.
Duroflex
The company launched the ‘Duroflex Cares’ program wherein a special task force has been set up to supply mattresses in bulk to Covid-19 centers across the country. The company has set up a helpline for Covid-19 relief requirements and so far, the response has been overwhelming.
Duroflex has donated up to 2000 mattresses to date and will continue to supply based on demand and requirements. In addition to helping our frontline workforce, under the Duroflex Cares initiative, the brand’s social channels have also become a source of information on sleep, conversations on mental health, nutrition, and wellness.
The brand is collaborating with various doctors and experts to make available to its consumers actionable, practical advice. They have also taken the initiative to provide support to people whose sleep schedules have been severely impacted due to the distress caused by the pandemic. The brand has partnered with REM42 (AI-driven sleep coach company) to offer the first 100 consumers who sign up, a free sleep consultation by qualified sleep doctors at REM42.
Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain takes a step forward and joins hands with the government of Tamil Nadu to support the fight against COVID-19. Also, The company has committed to providing aid worth INR 4.5 Cr for oxygen generation plants, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment.
Saint-Gobain will provide essential oxygen generation plants air freighted from France, one for Government Medical College Hospital Omandurar, Chennai costing INR 2.5 Cr and another plant costing INR 75 lakhs for IRT Hospital at Perundurai, Erode District. The plant for Government Medical College Hospital, Omandurar Chennai will cater to around 250 beds at a time.
Truecaller
Truecaller has partnered with MapmyIndia and FactChecker to further improve the Covid Healthcare Directory feature. This feature was launched for all Android users in April 2021 and with the added associations it will continue to provide easy access to a large set of updated information.
MapmyIndia, the leading location-based IOT platform in India, brings over 60,000 Covid-related points of interest including all vaccination centers across the country, covid designated hospitals, test centers, and so on. Users can easily access details and a location map by tapping on the MapmyIndia banner inside Truecaller. FactChecker, on the other hand, is India’s first dedicated fact check initiative that has a team to constantly verify contact numbers included in Covid Relief. The platform helps people reach out to the right contacts in their hour of need, providing quick relief to patients.
K Raheja Corp
As a tribute to the people who show up each day, despite the odds, realty major, K Raheja Corp, has released an ode, recognizing and thanking these very essential people for all that they do and their ‘Little Big’ efforts.
The video prominently features essential warriors from milkmen to security guards, domestic workers, police officers, doctors, public serviced drivers, delivery executives, media crews, and municipal cleaners performing their tasks with commitment, day after day, despite the odds with a smile.
SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF)
SaveLife Foundation launches a new campaign ‘Darshak Nahi Rakshak Bane’ with an aim to spread awareness and sensitize road users about the importance of saving the lives of road crash victims. The initiative is based on a national study conducted by SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF).
The long-term objective of the campaign is to create an environment where a bystander or Good Samaritan is free from the fear of facing any civil and criminal liability arising out of helping a road crash victim.
Integrated Health & Wellbeing Council (IHW Council)
Integrated Health & Wellbeing Council (IHW Council) has come forward to support the patients and families who are at the frontline of the country’s fight against the devastating global pandemic by launching a dedicated relief project for the frontline workers.
The project #OurPositiveFight includes setting up of a use-and-return Oxygen Concentrator Bank along with other useful medical devices such as pulse oximeters and thermometers and disposables such as masks, sanitizers, PPE kits especially for the benefit of frontline workers such as medical staff, cleaning staff, delivery staff, utility staff, journalists, police personnel and other professionals and workers who are working on the frontline.
FMC India
FMC has partnered with the ARDEA (Agriculture Rural Development & Environment Awareness) Foundation and digital media channel GreenTV, to stream a series of daily episodes over 20 days. Each interactive episode will feature a medical expert, who will educate viewers on different aspects of the disease and answer questions during the Livestream.
MediBuddy
MediBuddy, the digital healthcare platform has launched a vaccination drive to inoculate over 1100 employees and their dependents.
MediBuddy has also launched several initiatives such as Hospital Bed Availability Tracker, a 24×7 helpline number, and a Coronavirus Risk Assessment Tool to help tackle the surge of coronavirus infection and contribute its bit in combating the virus.
Vikram Solar
Vikram Solar announced the COVID-19 vaccination program for all employees. The vaccination drive commenced in Kolkata and will be conducted across all locations in a phased manner. It shall cover the cost for both the doses of the vaccine for 2000 employees. The initiative is aimed at protecting and safeguarding employees from Covid-19 and a gesture to acknowledge their passion, hard work, and resilience to meet customer commitments during the pandemic.
LimeRoad
LimeRoad employees can now avail of two additional weeks of holidays/leaves for COVID over and above their regular annual leaves. The organization will provide financial assistance to all employees to help cover their COVID expenses including medical aid, hospitalization, and post-COVID recovery.
For employees earning salaries below Rs.50,000 p.m., special COVID term insurance of up to Rs.3,00,000. This is in addition to the Medical Insurance that covers all hospital costs, and staff-on-demand in the Delhi-Gurgaon area to help with essential services when employees are in need.
Embassy Office Parks REIT (‘Embassy REIT’)
Embassy Office Parks REIT extended its Covid-19 relief support across India by addressing the critical need for life-saving medical equipment. Embassy REIT has sponsored oxygen concentrators and BiPAP machines in Delhi and Pune to ease the burden placed on existing healthcare infrastructure.
Attempting to tackle the enormous strain placed on public and private health care systems,
Embassy REIT has donated 15 BiPAP machines to Acharyashree Bhikshu Government Hospital, a dedicated Covid-19 hospital in Delhi, and 10 vital Oxygen concentrators with a capacity of 10 pm each for the treatment of Covid-19 patients at Paud Rural Hospital & Dedicated Covid Healthcare Centre in Paud District, Pune. The oxygen concentrators were handed over to Shri Abhay Chavan, Tehsildar, Mulshi.
Dettol :
Dettol, India’s most trusted germ protection brand, launched a one-of-its-kind campaign, #DettolSalutes today. For the first time in its history Dettol, as a tribute to Covid-19 warriors replaced its iconic logo with an image of a Covid protector along with the ‘protector’s’ inspiring story.
Dettol has curated 100 such stories from across India and carried them on its liquid handwash packs in honor of the protectors who have selflessly helped numerous people. In addition, Dettol has also launched a website- www.DettolSalutes.com. This platform is created especially for people from across India to share stories and acknowledge Covid protectors in their midst by creating customized virtual packs and sharing it on their social media channels.
CASAGRAND:
South India’s leading real estate developer CASAGRAND, announced a slew of measures for its employees namely free vaccination cover for all its employees and their dependents across Chennai, Bangalore and Coimbatore and construction workers across their sites. In addition to extending the vaccination cover to the dependent family members, the company announced that CASAGRAND will take complete care of the employee’s family in case of any unfortunate event.
Schindler India:
Schindler India has taken initiatives, relooked at employee policies, and announced resolute action plans to stand strong with its people. The Schindler Group announced COVID-19 Employee Relief Fund, accumulating generous contributions made by top management teams from across the globe to support its employees in India. Schindler Group’s firm support, commitment, and compassion have been nothing but commendable and have indeed helped in uplifting the confidence of their India team.
Muscle and Strength India:
Muscle and Strength India, one of the country’s leading retailers of fitness supplements & nutritional products have come forward to help the needy in these testing times. The company has helped under-privileged people by distributing free food, dry rations, other essentials, and also N95 masks etc. They have also distributed masks & immunity booster tablets to delivery boys for their health & safety.
Praj Industries:
Praj Industries, India’s most accomplished industrial biotech company has completed first phase of inoculation for its employees for protection against Covid-19. This is being organized with the help of Symbiosis University Hospital & Research Center, Lavale. Vaccine campaign was kicked-off by Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International University (SIU) and Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj. Also present on this occasion were Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar, Dean, Health and Biological Sciences, SIU and Mr. Shishir Joshipura, CEO & MD of Praj Industries.
Nippon Paint:
Nippon Paint has resumed its outreach efforts to painters who have been affected due to lack of employment opportunities. In the first phase, groceries were distributed to painters in their respective localities in Chennai & Coimbatore. So far, Nippon Paint has provided grocery supplies to 1500+ painter families by conducting relief camps in more than 25+ localities across these two cities.
INOX :
INOX Leisure Ltd announced the roll-out of a holistic and comprehensive healthcare and COVID safety program for its employees and their family members. Besides free vaccination for all the employees, the program titled “Wellness Matters”, comprises multiple initiatives including free doctor-on-call service, pharmacy & pathology services at special rates, discounted anti-microbial home disinfection and workshops on mental& emotional wellness.
Myprotein:
Global sports nutrition brand, Myprotein, has pledged 12% from its sales in May to a number of local causes in India to help the country in its fight against Covid-19. So far, 1.25cr has already been raised through the brand’s Impact Week online sales event and a further 12% from Myprotein profits in the UK (where the company is headquartered) will be added to the fund. The money will go to the following charities.
Dettol:
Dettol launched a one-of-its-kind campaign, #DettolSalutes today. For the first time in its history Dettol, as a tribute to Covid-19 warriors replaced its iconic logo with an image of a Covid protector along with the ‘protector’s’ inspiring story.
Dettol has curated 100 such stories from across India and carried them on its liquid handwash packs in honor of the protectors who have selflessly helped numerous people. In addition, Dettol has also launched a website- www.DettolSalutes.com. This platform is created especially for people from across India to share stories and acknowledge Covid protectors in their midst by creating customized virtual packs and sharing it on their social media channels.
Crocs:
Crocs, Inc. the global leader in innovative casual footwear for women, men and children, today announced a contribution of INR 1 Crore to support India’s ongoing fight against the COVID-19 virus. Organized through Crocs Cares, a philanthropic division created to provide comfort in our communities when and where it’s needed most, this donation will directly support COVID-19 relief measures in India, including within healthcare infrastructure, medical supplies, vaccine support and mobilization.
V Guard:
V Guard has also donated essential items including 1000 PPE kits and 1500 insulation packs to Palakkad Government Covid Hospital. V Guard officials said that they were pleased to be part of the government’s defense efforts in this Covid crisis. V Guard Industries has been carrying out a number of charitable activities for the public across the country as part of Covid relief.
World Vision India:
World Vision India today announced the launch of #Raksha4children – a campaign to protect children from the surge of Covid-19 pandemic and secure their future. World Vision India with the help of frontline workers, influencers and technical stakeholders will promote the campaign to counter misinformation regarding COVID 19 vaccines and create awareness on the vaccine guidelines provide by World Health Organisation and Government of India. This campaign is also a reminder call to act as responsible citizens and pledge to protect India’s children. The campaign aims to reach out to 20 million people over the next four months.
Star Jalsha:
Star Jalsha in collaboration with Woodlands Hospital, has initiated a COVID -19 vaccination drive facilitating free vaccination for all the technicians , artists and crew members of its shows on 9th – 10th June 2021, at Movieton Studio on first cum first serve basis.
Ecolab India:
Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, recently launched its COVID-19 SUPPORT Program for employees in their fight against the ongoing pandemic. The program aims to help safeguard the health and safety of Ecolab employees, the company’s top priority through education about the COVID-19 virus and social, medical, financial, and mental health support.
MediBuddy:
MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform has joined hands with the Milaap, South Asia’s largest crowdfunding platform to start a Free Consultation Donation campaign. The campaign aims to provide free COVID consultations to those in need and also for those families that have been affected by the dreadful pandemic.
For every donation made via the Milaap platform, MediBuddy pledges to match the amount and donate consultation to people. Milaap in the last year has raised more than INR 250 Crore for medical causes including emergency medical care. The platform’s donor base spread across the globe gives the deserving visibility for an urgent need.
The Cause Wear & Raindrop Media:
The Cause Wear and Raindrop Media have joined hands for an initiative, ‘Help India Breathe’. Through which one can support sustainable fashion and also help someone fight Covid-19.
Under the campaign, anyone across the nation can simply sell or purchase a clothing item via The Cause Wear website and fund an Oxygen Cylinder for someone in need.
Leading fashionistas and women icons like Masaba Gupta, Tara Sutaria, Diana Penty, Athiya Shetty, and Nidhhi Agerwal – to name a few, came forward in support of the cause. Taking to their Instagram handles, they urged their fans and following to shop and save lives.
MTV India:
MTV in collaboration with SaltScout, an online e-commerce platform that supports fundraising for social causes, has launched MTV No Fever Sale – A celebrity closet fundraiser. The proceeds from the sale, conducted through Dolce Vee, a platform that conducts charity sales of preloved fashion, will be donated to SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) , a leading non-profit organization that specializes in building community resilience against disasters and is actively responding to the Covid-19 emergency.
Set to go live at midnight of 1st July, MTV No Fever Sale will let fans shop from the closets of some of the renowned actors, singers and influencers from the entertainment industry such as Rannvijay Singha, Taapsee Pannu, Shilpa Shetty, Sunny Leone, Raftaar, Sushant Divgikar, Terence Lewis, Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, Neha Sharma, Varun Sood, Divya Agarwal, VJ Gaelyn, Nikhita Gandhi and many more. These celebs have come forward to donate clothes, accessories and memorable items owned by them for their fans to get a chance to shop for a cause. The initiative is an endeavor to mobilise the youth of the country and utilize their love for shopping for the greater good – “Shop for a Cause.”
