Burberry lends weight to fight against coronavirus
Burberry is doing its bit in the fight against COVID-19.
The British luxury fashion venture is using its global supply chain network to fast track the delivery of 100,000 surgical masks to the NHS.
It is also repurposing its trench coat factory in Castleford, Yorkshire, to make non-surgical gowns and masks for patients in UK hospitals.
”We are funding research into a single-dose vaccine developed by the University of Oxford. The university has one of the world’s best track records in emergency vaccine development, and its COVID-19 vaccine is on course to begin human trials next month,” Burberry said in a LInkedIn post.
”We are donating to charities that are dedicated to tackling food poverty across the UK, including FareShare and The Felix Project. With increasing pressures on food supplies for those in need, these organisations are expanding their efforts to help those struggling as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Though we are apart, we stand together,” it added.
University of Oxford’s Head of Medical Sciences, Professor Gavin Screaton, commented: “We are delighted with Burberry's generous support for the university's research into a vaccine for COVID-19. “
“Its gift is an example of forward thinking corporate philanthropy that complements and bolsters government and other investment in Oxford’s leading global talent in this field. Donations like this have real and rapid impact, allowing us to be agile in our response, to accelerate this time-critical research.”
Taking a hit
A majority of Burberry's stores in its European and American markets have closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The company has warned that its in-store sales are likely to take a 30% hit in the fourth quarter of the year. There is some good news out of China, however, where most of its sites have reopened.
