Safilo has launched a global corporate initiative called #united4eyecare, that embraces all the actions taken by the com-pany in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. The programs cover the countries where the Group operates, with particular attention to those most affected by the virus, such as Italy, Spain, and the United States.
The initiative’s focus is to protect the eyes, which has been always core in all of Safilo’s activities.
In Italy, Safilo has repurposed a portion of its manufacturing to produce safety glasses and facial shields to be supplied to Italian hospitals in critical need. This program is supported by Safilo’s core brand Carrera.
In Spain, Polaroid is donating 5,000 medical protection masks to 19 hospitals in Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo and Valencia. The 5,000 units will be distributed among Intensive Care Units, ENT professionals, doctors, nurses and other medical workers on the frontlines struggling with PPE shortages, as they should be the first to be equipped and protected from infection.
In the U.S., Smith has joined Goggles for Docs, a movement to support local and national personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages across the U.S. Smith is providing new and used ski goggles to healthcare workers who currently have no eyewear protection while treating Covid-19 patients.
Smith is also supporting mountain bike manufacturer Yeti Cycles as they shift focus to produce face shields for health care professionals. Smith donated 4,000 yards of goggle strap material to help produce 10,000 face shields.
Also in the U.S., Blenders Eyewear has repurposed a portion of its manufacturing to make safety goggles for health workers, and donated 10,000 goggles to hospitals in San Diego and Los Angeles.
It is also partnering with international humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief, to provide an additional 20,000 pairs of goggles to high-need regions in the U.S. such as New York City. In addition, 5 percent of all Blenders’ sales throughout the month of April will go to Direct Relief.
In all its offices, distribution centers and production sites, Safilo has adopted all necessary measures to protect staff health and business continuity, including preventive measures related to hygiene, safety distance, personal protective equipment, and remote working solutions for office staff, and is actively working for the continuity of supply chain operations.
