Sony has announced a $100 million global relief fund in support of those affected by COVID-19.
"Sony extends its condolences to the families of those who have passed away as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and extends its sympathies to all those who have been impacted," Kenichiro Yoshida, President and CEO of Sony Corporation, said in a press release on Thursday. "In order to overcome the unprecedented challenges that as a society we now face around the world, we will do all we can as a global company to support the individuals on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, the children who are our future, and those who have been impacted in the creative community."
The company's newly announced fund aims to provide assistance by helping those involved in frontline medical and first responder efforts fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, giving support to kids and educators now working remotely, and providing relief for creators and others in the entertainment industry.
"Sony will seek ways to support up-and-coming creators, artists and all those in professions supporting the industry, who have been impacted by the cancellation or postponement of concerts and live events, or the shutting down of film and television productions," a rep explained on Thursday.
Per the press release, the first boost from the fund arrives in the form of a $10 million donation to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. A matching gift program for company employees, the total number of which is approximated at 110,000 worldwide, has also been launched.
