How we're helping people affected by COVID-19, and how you can too
Changing our Production, focusing on the crisis
"Tutto andrà bene" - Everything will be ok!
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When the world faces significantly challenging times like these, it's important not to lose sight of the less fortunate among us.
That's why we've made the important decision to create 1,500 face masks for an 'at risk' community that's located where our manufacturing operations take place: Larciano, Italy. This is an area which has been badly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Michele Carbone (Co-Founder of Project Blu) stated: “COVID-19 is the first globalised emergency for mankind, it has woken our conscience. From this point onwards, worldwide viruses will be the biggest threat for humanity. All members of the community must be organised like an army ready to fight; if we lose time we will lose lives.”
Protecting those most affected
Tuscany has one of the oldest populations in the world, so the local community is already at increased risk. Of its 3.5 million inhabitants, about 800,000 (22.7%) are 65 years of age and older and, of these, about 10% are disabled in one or more activities of daily living.
Covid-19 has killed more people in Italy than in any other country, after deaths there rose by 427 in a day (19th March 2020). Italy is facing a shortage of personal protective equipment, including face masks.
To help relieve the pressure Project Blu decided to temporarily turn our resources away from manufacturing pet products into manufacturing face masks, providing some relief to local production companies and donating 1,500 masks for use in the local community.
We have guaranteed to supply the local community for the current and future crises. Lisa Amidei (Mayor of Larciano) stated “I would like to thank Project Blu for their generous support. It is a great relief to know that we won’t have to worry about a shortage of masks for our community. This is a huge help for everyone in Larciano."
Project Blu is now speaking with governments and local businesses about scaling the production of face masks to help those in need. The joint UK / Italian venture is partnered with Mars Petcare, R/GA and Michelson Found Animals as part of LEAP Ventures studio.
Together we have created a channel where businesses can learn and discuss colutions through the difficulties that COVID-19 has forced upon us. Feel free to join the conversation here:
Geryn Evans (CEO & Co-Founder of Project Blu) states: “COVID-19 has highlighted how vulnerable the world economy and healthcare system is. Both Project Blu and MARS inc are purpose driven brands so our immediate priority is helping out all stakeholders including our workforce and local community. We hope for everyone’s sake the virus passes as quickly as possible and we can return to normality as soon as possible.”
Want to learn how you can help those that are badly impacted by the outbreak?
- Here are general tips on how to help others as well as tips if you are based in the UK: https://www.theguardian.
- Here are further general tips on how to help others as well as tips if you are based in the US: https://www.pbs.org/
- Here is the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund created by the World Health Organisation: https://www.who.
Stay safe and best wishes...
The Project Blu Team
