Lavazza donated $11 million in March to support Italian efforts to fight the coronavirus COVID-19.
The Turin-based coffee giant is located in the Piedmont region of Italy, a northern area hard hit by the deadly pandemic. The money will be used to support schools and health care, purchase critically needed equipment and supplies, and help local citizens needing assistance, the company said in a statement.
About $6.6 million of the contribution goes to the Coronavirus Emergency Support in Piedmont for the purchase of materials and equipment to support health care workers and facilities caring for patients every day.
Another $3.3 million was donated to a local newspaper’s “Specchio dei Tempi” crisis foundation to help buy hospital equipment and medical supplies, rapid virus testing equipment, sanitizing kits to be used local schools, and delivering necessities to local residents. About $1.1 million is set aside for local groups and associations that “help the weakest and most disadvantaged sections of the population,” the company said.
“The Lavazza Group and its entire workforce wish to send a positive signal and show solid commitment in the fervent belief that if everyone pulls together at this time, we can get through the emergency and make Italy shine once again,” the statement said.