July , 2020
3M South Africa and United Way South Africa Team Up to Support Communities Impacted by COVID-19
Johannesburg, South Africa: Science-based technology company 3M has joined with not-for-profit organisation United Way (UW) Worldwide to support relief projects across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) that are helping the most vulnerable people in society impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
South Africa is one of twelve countries across EMEA receiving a share of a 3M grant totalling $1,875,000, which is being directed to projects supporting nutrition, mental and physical health, education and COVID-19 awareness, according to the most pressing local needs and country status of the pandemic.
United Way South Africa, the local UW organisation, is working with 3M South Africa to implement a USD 220,080 Covid-19 relief programme to provide nutritional food, fresh water, hygiene, and sanitisation products to vulnerable families. Part of the program will also include distribution of PPE and sanitizers in support of the national healthcare system in South Africa.
“It’s important that 3M holds true to its core values during this pandemic by supporting our communities and improving lives” said Robert Nichols, Managing Director of 3M Middle East Africa. “The projects with United Way form part of a $20 million commitment made by 3M at a corporate level to support COVID-19 relief projects globally, and we’re
grateful that some of this funding is helping vulnerable communities in South Africa to receive support during these exceptional times”.
United Way Worldwide has been helping communities in need for more than 130 years, but the scale of the COVID-19 crisis and its far-reaching impact on people’s health, social mobility, income and job security – factors that are essential to wellbeing - has posed new challenges.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with unprecedented challenges in our country. 3M’s contribution to United Way South Africa will help augment our relief efforts in some of South Africa’s most underserved communities. The grant will directly provide Food Relief, Hygiene Packs, PPE and Health Education to thousands of affected people across our country. While the challenges we face may seem insurmountable, it is contributions from partners such as 3M and its staff that gives us hope for a better tomorrow.” Jerann Naidu, UWSA Community Impact Chairman and Board Member.
“We’re pleased to see how 3M is stepping up in helping the people in the South African communities who support the most vulnerable who have been impacted by the pandemic,” Janet Butler, Vice President, Africa Region. “Together, we can make a real difference to people’s quality of life as we navigate through the coronavirus pandemic”.
ENDS
Contacts:
[Glen Bvuma] 3M [South Africa] [mgbvuma.cw@mmm.com / 066 479 5232]
[Lynda Bleazard] United Way [South Africa] [Lynda.Bleazard@unitedway.org.za / +27 60 980 0459]
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers all around the world.
About United Way
United Way Worldwide is a privately funded, not-for-profit organisation based in the US with a network spanning more than 40 countries and territories across six continents. It serves 61 million people across the globe, supported by 2.9 million volunteers and 8.3 million donors.
On Saturday, the 25th July 2020, United Way South Africa and 3M South Africa visited an underserved community in Riverlea, Johannesburg. 200 families were provided with food parcels.
This is the beginning of a greater impact to come. #UnitedAgainstCovid19 with 3M South Africa.