Dole Partners with World Vision India to Provide COVID-19 Relief to Rural Communities
Dole Sunshine Company (Dole) announces the launch of a US$100,000 COVID-19 relief initiative to support rural communities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. As a company driven by the promise Sunshine For All, Dole is committed to bridging the inequities that exist in the availability of nutrition for everyone. Inspired by this commitment, the company is partnering with World Vision India to provide healthcare support to vulnerable communities in some parts of India.
In partnership with World Vision India, Dole has distributed and deployed oxygen concentrators, personal protective equipment (PPE), medicine and food supplies to communities in Jabalpur and Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Dharangaon and Nanded district in Maharashtra.
The amount of US$100,000 was allocated to buying 20 oxygen concentrators and 10,000 sets of PPE (goggles and overall protective wear). Beneficiaries of this equipment include Government Rural Hospital in Dharangaon (Maharashtra) and Community Health Centres in Dharmapuri and Dhamnod in Dhar district (Madhya Pradesh).
Aashim Malhotra, Vice President and Managing Director APAC Region, Dole Sunshine Company – Food and Beverages Group said: “We wanted to play our part in alleviating the ongoing medical crisis in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dole decided to focus on communities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra where there are still opportunities to strengthen the COVID-19 management infrastructure. We are pleased to partner with World Vision India, who have supported us in reaching the local communities for this initiative.”
“We are overwhelmed that Dole has come forward to support World Vision India’s efforts in strengthening health care systems specially in the rural areas. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all witnessed how timely intervention and availability of medical assistance can save many lives. Corporate partnerships like this will help World Vision India extend its COVID-19 relief response to many more health care centres. This contribution from Dole will help children and communities in the rural areas to get timely access to health facilities,” said Sony Thomas, Group Director – Resource Mobilisation & Public Engagement, World Vision India.
