In response to the global Coronavirus crisis, Wells Fargo has set up a worldwide COVID–19 grant distribution programme that aims to support vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic. As part of this global initiative, United Way , the fundraising non-profit, will make a donation of $285,000 on behalf of Wells Fargo’s Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region to 17 charities based within the countries that Wells Fargo operates in.
The charitable causes receiving financial assistance range from non-governmental organisations (NGO), to non-profits that represent medics, food banks, the elderly/disabled and their carers - alongside charities that support the homeless and mental health wellness programmes.
“The management team and I are delighted that our COVID–19 grant distribution programme will assist a broad range of charities helping the medics on the front line to the most disadvantaged groups in society,” said John Langley, Regional President of EMEA, Wells Fargo. “All of the charities selected do amazing work and our grants will make a difference to many in the region. During periods like these, I’m proud that we can demonstrate our commitment to the region by upholding our mandate to support our local communities, especially during difficult times.”
Some of the grant recipients expressed how the donations from Wells Fargo will help them:
“I would like to say a big thank you to Wells Fargo Bank for its very generous donation to support the staff at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and in our communities during this Covid-19 pandemic. The gift will be a huge help in funding special projects to support our extraordinary team of staff as they work around the clock to care for everyone who needs it at this difficult time. We will also be using this grant to support our most vulnerable patients at this very difficult time.”
Catherine Hart, Director of Fundraising
“On behalf of our team at London’s Air Ambulance Charity and all our patients, a huge thank you to Wells Fargo for their generous donation at this challenging time. Our trauma team deliver lifesaving care to critically injured patients wherever they are in London. This is made possible by the generous assistance from long term supporters like Wells Fargo who ensure we can continue to serve London 24/7. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.”
Jonathan Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer
“Wells Fargo’s past support of Norwood has been hugely appreciated but its recent commitment to help us manage the COVID-19 crisis has been invaluable. Norwood’s frontline staff have been heroic in their efforts to safeguard the hundreds of adults with learning disabilities in our homes but our costs have spiralled as a result and your support has been instrumental in helping us manage these and thereby sustain our vital services. Thank you.”
Beverley Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer
Listed below are the 17 charities that will receive funds from Wells Fargo’s grant distribution pool of $285,000. All are established charities and the funds will go to their respective emergency coronavirus appeals.
France
Medical
Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France
Fondation Hôpitaux de Paris-Hôpitaux de France is dedicated to improving the quality of life of hospitalised children, adults and the elderly.
Medical
The Weizmann France Association is a leading research institute, which has set up a coronavirus response fund that aims to raise money to support scientists working to find a solution to the pandemic.
Germany
NGO
The German Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the largest humanitarian organisation in the world.
Ireland
Homeless
The Dublin Simon Community helps people tackling homelessness by providing housing, prevention, addiction treatment, emergency response and other targeted interventions, through advocacy and partnership.
Mental Health
Pieta House helps people and communities in crisis by providing free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide.
Elderly
ALONE supports older people who are homeless, socially isolated, living in deprivation or in crisis.
Luxembourg
NGO
The Fondation de Luxembourg assists European donors in the structuring, development and monitoring of philanthropic projects in Europe and worldwide.
Netherlands
NGO
The Netherlands Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the largest humanitarian organisation in the world.
Sweden
NGO
Swedish humanitarian foundation
The Swedish Foundation for Human Rights is a non-profit foundation founded with the objective of promoting human rights through human rights education, advocacy, and international development cooperation.
United Arab Emirates
NGO
The Emirates Red Crescent is the United Arab Emirates affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
United Kingdom
Medical
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS foundation trust of the English National Health Service. It runs Guy's Hospital in London Bridge, St Thomas' Hospital in Waterloo, Evelina London Children's Hospital and community services in Lambeth and Southwark.
Disabled and Carers
Norwood is a UK charity supporting children, families and people with learning disabilities and autism, as well as children with special educational needs.
Homeless
Shelter is a leading homeless charity offering shelter and advice to the vulnerable.
Disabled and Carers
Independence at Home gives financial support to people with physical disabilities and mental health conditions as well as their families and carers with essential equipment, breaks, home repairs, and more.
Elderly
Age UK exist to help older people when they need help the most.
Medical
London's Air Ambulance Charity is a registered charity that operates a helicopter emergency medical service dedicated to responding to serious trauma emergencies in and around London.
Food Bank
The Trussell Trust supports the UK’s network of food banks. Together they provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.