RFU has transformed Twickenham Stadium into a dedicated Covid-19 testing centre for the NHS

BA NEWS • May 2020

British Airways and friends: offering a helping hand

How British Airways and its airline partners are helping in the current global crisis

British Airways flies even more NHS supplies to the UK
As part of its response to the global pandemic, British Airways has added extra cargo-only flights from China to carry essential supplies for the NHS, including medicines and PPE, to the UK. Up from 13 flights a week in April, 21 weekly flights from Shanghai and Beijing to London are now operating, carrying up to 770 tonnes of cargo in the hold and, where possible, also in the cabin. The cargo is being shipped in a joint effort between British Airways, IAG Cargo, the UK Government and the British Embassy in Beijing.

“As an airline, we are in a unique position to help in the global response to Covid-19,” says British Airways chairman and CEO Alex Cruz. “We’re proud to be playing our part, and I’m grateful to everyone who is working to make these flights happen in these difficult times.”

White Company

The White Company: supporting communities through sales
Anyone who buys a Rainbow Shortie (pictured above) from The White Company (£18), will see £10 from every purchase donated to Refuge and The Prince’s Trust charities in equal proportion, both of which strive tirelessly to assist people who are working towards a brighter future, regardless of their circumstances or background.

The White Company is also supporting a number of NHS initiatives across the country by providing care gifts, much needed towels and volunteering.

RFU ramps up Covid-19 response
Rugby Football Union has made a number of efforts over recent weeks to help tackle the spread of the coronavirus, including transforming Twickenham Stadium (pictured top of page) into a dedicated testing centre.

Operating as a drive-through on an appointment-only basis, the facility will provide thousands of PCR swab tests for critical key workers, starting with NHS front line staff so those who test negative can return to work as soon as possible, and those who test positive can take the time to recover.

“We receive tremendous support from frontline services during match days at Twickenham and we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to support key workers during this severe national crisis with the use of our site and staff to support operationally,” says RFU chief executive, Bill Sweeney.

As part of a host of industries using their resources for good, several RFU medical staff are also assisting the NHS by working part-time in A&E at two London hospitals.

Brewdog

BrewDog: sanitiser suppliers
The NHS now has another sanitiser supplier in BrewDog, which has created and donated more than 100,000 units (pictured above) and counting in order to ensure workers remain protected.

To support its Columbus community in Ohio, BrewDog is also supplying its branded water at cost price, as well as donating to Gladden Community House Food Pantry and the YMCA Homeless Shelter.

American Express: meals for NHS workers
American Express
has partnered with Deliveroo on its campaign to provide free meals to NHS workers, at work and at home. As part of the initiative, 500,000 meals will be delivered to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the UK. In addition, tens of thousands of vouchers have been claimed by NHS workers for free home deliveries.

Alongside American Express, the campaign has received contributions from a host of corporate and restaurant partners, as well as generous donations from the general public.

Mariott

Staff from various Marriott properties, such as the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, have been assisting community initiatives around the world

Marriot International: hotel stays, discounts and loyalty point donations
Marriott International
employees across the world have taken the initiative to help their local communities, showcasing the warm, caring and hospitable nature that is intrinsic to all hoteliers.

In the United States $10 million worth of hotel stays have been available to healthcare professionals, including free accommodation for doctors and nurses in some of the country’s most impacted areas, such as New York City, Newark, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Chicago, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

Significantly discounted rates on Marriott.com will also be offered to first responders and healthcare personnel who want to book rooms at hotels close to the hospitals they work at across the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

For those with Marriott Bonvoy points saved up, customers now have the opportunity to donate them to a number of relief organisations active in the Covid-19 response around the world, including the American Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Unicef and World Central Kitchen.

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