Burberry funds for vaccine and produces gowns and masks to battle coronavirus
- 10 Apr 2020
Gulf Today Report
The London-based fashion house is funding research into a single-dose vaccine developed by the University of Oxford.
The luxury brand has also revealed that it will use its global supply chain to fast track the delivery of over 100,000 surgical masks for use by NHS workers.
Burberry is also repurposing its Yorkshire trench coat factory to make non-surgical gowns and masks for patients.
“The university has one of the world’s best track records in emergency vaccine development, and its Covid-19 vaccine is on course to begin human trials next month,” reads a post on the house’s Instagram page.
The university is a world-leader in emergency vaccine development, with past success in fighting Ebola and MERS.
While the amount donated has not been disclosed, Professor Gavin Screaton, head of medical sciences at the University of Oxford, is excited by the impact the funds will have on this important work.
“We are delighted with Burberry's generous support for the University's research into a vaccine for COVID-19,” he said
“Burberry's gift is an example of forward-thinking corporate philanthropy that complements and bolsters government and other investment in Oxford’s leading global talent in this field.
“Donations like this have real and rapid impact, allowing us to be agile in our response, to accelerate this time-critical research," he added.
In addition, the brand, has confirmed that it is donating to charities tackling food poverty across the UK.
“In challenging times, we must pull together,” said Marco Gobbetti, Burberry’s CEO in a statement.
“The whole team at Burberry is very proud to be able to support those who are working tirelessly to combat COVID-19, whether by treating patients, working to find a vaccine solution or helping provide food supplies to those in need at this time.
“COVID-19 has fundamentally changed our everyday lives, but we hope that the support we provide will go some way towards saving more lives, bringing the virus under control and helping our world recover from this devastating pandemic.
He added: “Together, we will get through this.
Chanel has also announced that it is working to produce protective face masks and blouses for use across France.
In a statement, the French fashion house said: “Today, we are mobilising our workforce and our partners to produce protective masks and blouses."
