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Ralph Lauren donates $10 million to coronavirus relief efforts

Ralph Lauren at New York Fashion Week in 2016: Getty
Ralph Lauren at New York Fashion Week in 2016: Getty

Ralph Lauren has announced that it will donate $10 million to relief efforts for the Covid-19 global crisis.

The funds will be split across different causes, including the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Covid-19 Solitary Response Fund and Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony Fund, a charitable arm established in 2000 which supports cancer institutions and patients around the world.

Financial grants will also be made available for Ralph Lauren colleagues struggling with medical costs, childcare or care for older people.

The foundation arm of the US designer brand will also donate a gift to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)/Vogue Fashion Fund to support members of the American fashion community impacted by the pandemic.

“Now more than ever, in this time of need, supporting each other has become our mission,” Ralph Lauren wrote in a press release published on the brand’s site.

The announcement follows the temporary closure of select Ralph Lauren stores due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Writing on Instagram, the brand confirmed that employees would continue to be paid during this period.

“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," Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer, said in a statement.

"In the past weeks and months, that spirit has never wavered.

“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.”

In addition to its significant cash donation, Ralph Lauren has confirmed that it is working with its manufacturing partners to produce 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns for frontline staff.

The company joins other fashion brands in their efforts to assist those working to fight the disease.

Last week, luxury coat brand Canada Goose said it would begin making gowns to donate to healthcare workers, while Gap said it would use its factories to make protective masks and gowns for frontline workers.

Earlier this month, Louis Vuitton owner LVMH confirmed that it would start making hand sanitiser to protect people against the spread of the virus.

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