We have adopted the headline ‘Love in the time of Coronavirus’ (not original, we know, but highly appropriate; a reference to Columbian author Gabriel García Márquez’s magnificent work, Love in the Time of Cholera) to introduce our regular column that curates examples of our industry at its most compassionate.
Never has the need been greater for the unique international community of travel retail and aviation (and all their stakeholders) to show their empathy for humanity. We are pleased to shine a light on our industry at its best.
Please send your examples to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com.
27 August
MSC Cruises thanks healthcare workers with special discounted fares through 2021
MSC Cruises has launched special global discounted fares — applicable to the end of 2021 — for healthcare professionals around the world.
The ‘thank you’ discounted fare programme will launch on 31 August and will be available across all of MSC Cruises sailings of any duration.
The special per cabin fare will result in discounts of up to or exceeding -50% regular rates. It also includes a series of specially-curated onboard activities to honour the healthcare workers and their guests.
MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago commented, “As a family-owned company we think it’s only right and proper to find a way to express our heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each and every healthcare professional around the world — as well as their families — for their selfless and tireless dedication, professionalism and bravery in tackling the current global pandemic.”
As reported, MSC Cruises temporarily paused operations in mid-March due to the pandemic crisis. The company resumed sailing on 16 August, when the MSC Grandiosa departed from Genoa for a seven-night cruise.
MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago commented, “As a family-owned company we think it’s only right and proper to find a way to express our heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each and every healthcare professional around the world – as well as their families – for their selfless and tireless dedication, professionalism and bravery in tackling the current global pandemic.
“To all of them, NHS and private health care staff. Front line and back office workers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists those who work in research laboratories, and in fact everyone who is a health worker, at all levels.”
22 August
Whyte & Mackay continues its Round the World Challenge
Leading spirits company, Whyte & Mackay is on target to completing an eight-week, 46,625.7 km virtual journey around the world.
As reported, its employees are walking/running/cycling to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities around the world. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ‘Whyte & Mackay Cares’ Round The World Challenge, which started on 1 July, has a £50,000 (US$62,800) target.
The fundraising effort was inspired by the company’s awareness of the “extraordinary challenges” facing people during the COVID-19 pandemic. And it has resulted in some extraordinary results, with Whyte & Mackay team members, and individuals, smashing their targeted amounts.
Read the full story here
4 August
Delta Airlines donates 1 million pounds of food to those in need
Delta Airlines has donated over 1 million pounds of food and other provisions to healthcare facilities, food banks, schools and non-profit organisations around the world.
The airline is donating food and beverages — that would otherwise go unused — following its temporary adjustment of food services onboard its fleet and in Delta Sky Clubs. It is also donating utensils, bowls napkins and packaging materials.
Delta has partnered with Feeding America to allocate the food donations. Internally, Delta employees in the Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, El Salvador, Peru, Japan, Greece, Spain, France, Netherlands and the UK have also volunteered their time to deliver the donations to those in need.
Since April, Delta Airlines has also been providing free flights to healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 crisis. It also deployed its aircraft interiors subsidiary to produce 70,000 face masks for medical workers in the US.
Delta Senior Vice President Inflight Service Allison Ausband commented, “We are so proud of our people who have seen the needs in communities around the world and acted with the resources Delta has to offer. That is what we like to call the Delta spirit.
“Especially during the ongoing pandemic, we see our people going above and beyond the call of duty to serve others. One million pounds of food is astounding, and we will continue to give as long as we have resources to do so.”
29 July
NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund raises US$110 million for 768 non-profit organisations in New York City
The NYC Covid-19 Response & Impact Fund has awarded over US$110 million in grants and zero-interest loans supporting 768 different New York City-based charity organisations through the pandemic crisis.
US$73 million was managed by the New York Community Trust while US$37 million was allocated by the Non-profit Finance Fund for no-interest loans.
Hundreds of small to medium-sized non-profit organisations — which include health, social services, arts and culture groups — have applied for grants and interest-free loans to ensure the continuity of their daily operations.
US$73.1 million was awarded in grants to 754 organisations, with the grants ranging from US$5000 to US$250,000. This included 374 social service and health organisations and 380 arts and culture groups. US$30 million is currently being awarded in loans to at least 43 organisations in New York state, including 33 social service and health charities and 10 arts and culture organisations.
In March, 18 founding donors came together to contribute an initial donation of US$75 million. Of this, US$44 million was distributed to 276 New York city non-profits less than a month later.
“As we have learned from crises in the past, the way to address this challenge is to work together,” said New York Community Trust President Lorie Slutsky. “The Trust has been honoured to have been a part of this wonderful collaboration, which has been an inspiration and a financial lifeline for hundreds of New York’s non-profits and the people they serve.”
27 July
Oakley commits US$200,000 to WHO Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund
Luxottica Group-owned specialist eyewear company Oakley has committed US$200,000 to the World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
The donation was made to mark the brand’s recent collaboration with Japanese Artist Meguru Yamaguchi to launch the ‘Kokoro Collection.’ The sporty eyewear range is comprised of 11 colourful styles all featuring Oakley’s Prizm Lens technology.
According to Yamaguchi, the Kokoro collection — which translates to ‘heart, mind and spirit’ in Japanese — aims to unite athletes from all over the world.
24 July
The Estée Lauder Companies continues global COVID-19 relief efforts
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, The Estée Lauder Companies has offered continuous financial and practical support to stakeholders and relief organisations around the world.
The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation (ELCCF) has accelerated nearly US$9.5 million in renewal grants — including US$6.8 million in MAC Viva Glam grants — to provide partners with flexible funding during these difficult times.
It has also pledged US$3.2 million to local front-life relief organisations around the world including Give2Asia, the Spanish Red Cross, Italian Red Cross, British Red Cross, Age UK, China Women’s Development Foundation, Akshaya Patra Foundation in India, the Panama Solidario and Waldorf Foundation in Colombia and the NYC Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund.
In addition to launching MAC’s US$10 million Viva Glam Fund and partnering with BeautyUnited, The Estée Lauder Companies-owned salon brand Aveda has also pledged its support for The Salon & Spa Relief Fund. It committed US$600,000 to help salons reopen and donated over 125,000 bottles of personal care products to charity organisations in the US.
In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies’s ELC Cares Relief Fund matched donations of eligible US and UK employees up to five times through to the end of June 2020.
20 July
Dior partners with UNESCO to expand Women @ Dior mentoring programme
Luxury Fashion House Dior has joined UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition to expand its Women @ Dior mentorship programme.
The programme will educate 100 disadvantaged female students from Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, the Philippines, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The students will receive one-to-one mentorship from a Dior employee and participate in the company’s 10-month Women @ Dior online educational programme.
Dior Director of Human Resources Emmanuelle Favre said, “Dior is no stranger to controversy when it comes to the role of fashion in female empowerment. We are proud to have been in the front row for some of the most pivotal moments in women’s history. As new waves of feminism continue to break, we are determined to make a difference.”
Safeguard donates US$10 million for hygiene donation and education campaign
Procter & Gamble-owned soap brand Safeguard has committed US$10 million to support handwashing and hygiene education for at-risk communities in the US.
The funds will be allocated through Save the Children, Americares and Feeding America, and help reach an estimated 48 million children re-entering parks, schools and playgrounds in the US this month.
Save the Children Senior Vice President or US Programmes and Advocacy Mark Shriver commented, “We are facing one of the biggest health crises of our lifetime, and unacceptable disparities for children across America are compounded during this pandemic — making access to basic essentials including hygiene and health items out of reach for far too many children.”
15 July
LVMH raises funds for Secours Populaire’s ‘Happy Days’ programme
Luxury giant LVMH is donating 100,000 tubes of hand sanitiser to French charity Secours Populaire Français.
As reported, the hydroalcoholic gel was specially manufactured by Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain and other LVMH fragrance brands.
Secours Populaire volunteers will offer the LVMH-made hand sanitiser to the public in return for cash donations, with proceeds supporting the organisation’s ‘Happy Days’ initiative. The programme funds one to three day vacation outings for vulnerable families in France from July to August.
Berluti CEO and Loro Piana Chairman Antoine Arnault commented, “We salute the tremendous efforts that Secours Populaire Français has made and continues to make to address the urgent health and social needs created by the Covid-19 crisis.
“Following the success of the first two editions of ‘Une Journée Pour Soi’ for women living in vulnerable situations, LVMH is proud to once again contribute to a campaign organised by Secours Populaire.”
Tui Care Foundation launches 100 Helping Hands COVID-19 initiative
The Tui Care Foundation — Tui’s corporate social responsibility division — has pledged €500,000 for its ‘100 Helping Hands’ Initiative. The programme aims to support 100 local charities in holiday destinations severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
These include Aruba, Bonaire, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tunisia and Turkey.
The initiative will support the organisations with hygiene training, cash relief for social enterprises, home schooling, childcare and emergency supply services. More Tui Care Foundation initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.
In a statement the company said, “The Coronavirus crisis is imposing enormous challenges and has already affected the lives of millions around the world. Lockdowns and travel restrictions have left many people unable to provide for their families. Now more than ever, the Tui Care Foundation stands firm to support those most vulnerable in holiday destinations.”
Project in support of mankind: Brunello Cucinelli donates €30 million worth of unsold merchandise
Italian fashion house Brunello Cucinelli is donating €30 million worth (at retail value) of unsold garments as part of its ‘Project in support of Mankind’ initiative.
The company has created a council tasked with allocating the sizeable amount of inventory — collected from stores impacted by lockdown closures — to various charitable organisations around the world.
“It seems to me that this project, that we all define as intense, in some way raises the dignity of mankind and pays tribute to all those who have taken part in the manufacturing of these garments,” said Founder and Creative Director Brunello Cucinelli. “It will go hand in hand with the other project started several years ago, which consists in repairing, recovering and reusing all of our products.”
Cucinelli hopes the initiative will promote a new kind of humanistic capitalism and urges other brands to do the same. He said, “All this goes to fulfil the greatest ‘human sustainability’ project we have always believed in and that can be summed up as follows: protecting the climate, reducing emissions, safeguarding the earth and wildlife, and taking care of human beings. It would be a real pleasure for me if this symbolic gesture was welcome as a sign of hope for a new and lasting time.”
14 July
Walsh Whiskey leads fundraiser to support Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation
Irish drinks company Walsh Whiskey, through its international community of supporters, has raised €16,000 (over US$18,000) to fund 1,000 hours of homecare for at-risk children supported by the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation
Just over a month ago, Walsh Whiskey Founders Bernard and Rosemary Walsh set up a raffle to support the charity. As the prize, they donated their personal collection of all nine vintages of Writers’ Tears Vintage Cask Strength, a super-premium Irish whiskey produced since 2011.
Supporters purchased raffle tickets via Eventbrite and Walsh Whiskey has covered the platform’s fees to ensure the total amount will go towards nursing care for seriously ill children under five years old.
Bernard Walsh said: “Rosemary and I are very grateful to everyone in the wider Walsh Whiskey community that supported these children and their families. The raffle is now concluded, but people who missed it can still donate directly to the Jack & Jill Foundation.”
6 July
Oribe and Kao Salon Division offer support to the salon community
Kao Salon Division, which owns luxury haircare brand Oribe, has launched the Kao Salon Industry Recovery Initiative to help its salon partners bounce back from the global health crisis.
The programme is comprised of three campaigns designed to address the specific challenges facing the professional hair industry. The three campaigns are called Stronger Together, Creativity Never Stops and Kao Salon Family.
Through the Stronger Together campaign, Kao Salon has committed to suspend invoices until government-imposed closures are lifted and sponsor free-to-industry opportunities. It has also donated haircare products to charitable organisations, public health institutions and key workers.
The Creativity Never Stops campaign provides stylists with online educational programmes; while the Kao Salon Family initiative leverages the company’s network to deliver messages of hope and provide virtual communication tools to connects stylists and salons during these times of crisis.
“Our priority during this crisis has been to galvanise our efforts around the full and complete recovery of the industry as a whole, with special focus our partners and stylists,” commented Kao Salon Division Global President Cory Couts.
“We know the needs and concerns of the salon community are very specific. That’s why we designed this initiative to not only to commit global resources, but local, real solutions for their recovery. We believe in the power of the collective and know that by meeting this incredibly powerful community where they are, and joining them on their journey, together we will grow, rise and create the future.”
Jurlique donates 34,000 Rose Hand Creams to key workers
Pola Orbis Holdings-owned natural skincare brand Jurlique has donated 22,000 units of its Rose hand Cream to hospitals in Australia. It has also donated an additional 12,000 units of its popular hand cream to hospitals in Hong Kong and China.
Dove and Vaseline commit US$2 million to COVID-19 relief
Unilever-owned personal care brands Dove and Vaseline have teamed up with Direct Relief to donate US$2 million to COVID-19 charity organisations in the US. The funds were used to source personal protective equipment, ventilators and medicines.
Dove has also donated 200,000 N95 masks to hospitals in New Jersey, where its headquarters are based.
This is in addition to the US$2.5 million worth of personal care products donated by the brand to Feeding America.
1 July
Whyte & Mackay walks the walk of Corporate Social Responsibility
Snehanshu Verma, Business Manager Middle East – Travel Retail at Whyte & Mackay relates this great story on LinkedIn. From today, the Whyte & Mackay team will embark on a journey around the world, 46,625.7 km to be precise.
The company said: “We recognise that people have been coping with extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the importance of mental health in the current unprecedented crisis.
“Our 500+ strong family have decided to set ourselves a challenge of walking/running/cycling virtually around the world to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities around the world. We welcome you to follow our journey for the next two months… and support us in any way possible.
In the UK, Whyte & Mackay is supporting the Scottish Association of Mental Health via a direct fundraising page on JustGiving.com (see below).
The company has also set up a separate fundraising page to collect donations and share across charities in other countries where they are not affiliated to JustGiving including: Canadian Mental Health Association; Mental Health America (US); The Syin-Lu Social Welfare Foundation (based in Taipei); The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong; Al Jalila Foundation (UAE); The South African Federation of Mental Health.
Click on the picture below to donate to the cause. [Whyte & Mackay is a Platinum Partner of the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo]
29 June
React, respond and re-emerge: SK-II steps up COVID-19 response
Japanese luxury skincare company SK-II has ramped up its global response to COVID-19, under a ‘react, respond and re-emerge’ CSR mantra.
According to the company, its approach follows three key pillars: being human, serving not selling, and staying rooted in brand purpose and identity.
React
SK-II has teamed up with the China Women’s Development Foundation (CWDF) to donate RMB2 million (US$280,000) worth of personal protective equipment and ventilators to the virus’ original epicentre of Hubei, China.
It also adapted the production capacities of its Shiga Plant in Japan to manufacture over 350,000 face masks for employees, key workers, communities and relief organisations across the country.
Respond
The company launched a moving visual campaign starring Japanese National Swimmer Ikee Rikako — in her first public appearance without a wig — after successfully beating leukaemia. It shares her story of hope and resilience and aims to inspire audiences during these difficult times. It also marked the first time in 28-years that an SK-II campaign, featuring a solo female athlete, made the front pages of Japanese newspapers.
Re-Emerge
SK-II has also partnered with the China Duty Free Group to launch a new interactive animation called the ‘SK-II Skin Training Camp.’ The experiential animation was launched at the CDF Mall in Haitang Bay during China’s golden week holidays. The pop-up gave customers an interactive ‘skin training’ experience and offered personalised skincare consultations to help find the right SK-II products to suit their specific needs.
24 June
Anne Klein donates 100,000 masks to essential workers in the US
Anne Klein is donating 100,000 surgical masks to medical staff and key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHP Global — which owns Anne Klein’s fashion business — has reunited with Klein’s granddaughter Jesse Gre Rubinstein for the initiative. Rubinstein is also the Founder and CEO of social media agency Hello There Collective.
Anne Klein and WHP Global are leveraging supply chains to source the essential medical supplies and address the shortage of personal protective equipment in the US. Rubinstein will be distributing the PPEs to relief organisations across the country.
WHP Chairman and CEO Yehuda Shmidman commented, “Uniting the Anne Klein brand with the founder’s family at this critical time, and making a commitment to distribute 100,000 masks to those on the frontlines helping our communities, is a win/win. This is just the beginning of our planned collaboration with Anne’s granddaughter, Jesse. We’re thrilled to partner with her.”
Hello There Collective Founder & CEO Jesse Gre Rubinstein said, “I am honoured to have the opportunity to play a role in supporting my grandmother’s legacy by highlighting inspiring individuals who even during this time of great uncertainty, embody the vision and strength to empower their community and uplift those around them.
“My hope is that this initiative serves as the launch of a powerful network that can both support and inspire others to help not only in the present, but as we begin to rebuild.”
Hello There Collective is also spearheading the launch of Anne Klein’s new social media campaign, which features heroic individuals who have helped connect communities during the pandemic crisis.
17 June
Heathrow Airport lends support to local schools and NHS Hospitals
This week, London Heathrow Airport has donated 5,000 FFP3 face masks to the Hillingdon Hospital to help protect frontline health workers. It has donated a total of 16,000 masks to the NHS since the outbreak began.
The airport has also donated laptops and digital resources to support local primary schools’ virtual home-schooling initiatives. A total of 70 laptops have been donated over the last two months. They were sourced using recycled airport IT equipment and through donations by the Heathrow Executive team.
Heathrow has also developed digital education materials to support both parents and teachers in their home-schooling efforts. The interactive materials teach children about the airport’s history, test their geography knowledge and encourage them to design their own airport terminal.
In addition, Heathrow has donated separation barriers to the Colnbrook Primary School to aid in implementing physical distancing measures when children do return to school.
Heathrow Airport Director of Communities Becky Coffin commented, “During these challenging times, we have a responsibility as a major employer in the local community to step up and offer support where we can. I am pleased that our additional face mask donations can support our NHS heroes on the frontline, and the laptops and barriers can aid schools with home schooling and social distancing.”
British Airways donates over 200,000 care packages
British Airways has donated over 200,000 care packages to charities and communities all over the UK. The packages include washbags, socks, snacks and blankets and have been donated to NHS Hospitals, care homes, food banks, and more than 90 community projects.
Britain’s national carrier has been donating essential products to both front-line medical staff and patients since March. Over 1,100 British Airways staff have also been volunteering to support various organisations in the UK. These include the NHS, COVID-19 test centres, food banks, the British Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance.
“In these difficult times, we are pleased that we have been able to support key workers and communities in need,” said British Airways Director of External Communications and Sustainability Louise Evans. “Whilst these gestures may seem small, we hope they have made a big difference to key workers and local communities up and down the country.”
10 June
Singapore Airlines introduces ‘KrisPay It Forward’ CSR campaign
Singapore Airlines has unveiled its ‘KrisPay It Forward’ CSR Campaign, which encourages KrisFlyer members to donate their miles to buy edible treats for 100,000 key workers in Singapore.
The KrisPay It Forward campaign will run until 15 July is part of Singapore Airlines’s wider #SIACares initiative. It aims to fund a total 50,000 treats from member donations; which Singapore Airlines will match with another 50,000 treats.
The miles can be donated via the KrisPay app. Each donation of 450 KrisPay miles (equivalent to S$3) will purchase one treat. The treats include a samosa set, a muffin and bun set, a milk tea or green tea set, a doughnut set and a curry puff set.
The treats will be sponsored by KrisPay partners Anglo Indian Café and Bar, Cedele, Gong Cha, Krispy Crème, Polar Puffs & Cakes and Sakunthala’s Food Palace. They will be delivered to the recipients once the 50,000-treat target is reached.
“This initiative provides a platform for KrisFlyer members to show their support for front liners, and as well as many of the unsung heroes in our community,” said KrisFlyer Acting Senior Vice President Marketing Planning JoAnn Tan. “This is our small way of thanking them by giving them a well-deserved treat and giving local businesses a boost at the same time.”
For earlier stories from this column click here