Canadian Tire launches $5 million coronavirus response fund

The Canadian Tire Corporation has launched a $5 million COVID-19 Response Fund to help Canadians and communities respond to the current pandemic.

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The donation to the Canadian Red Cross aims to help in hospitals, relief supplies and isolation sites, and protective equipment for Red Cross personnel responding to needs across Canada.

United Way Centraide Canada will direct $1 million to strengthening support for more vulnerable citizens by funding community social services including food delivery, outreach programs for seniors, crisis lines, women’s and homeless shelters, and support for frontline community workers.

“Our $3 million product donation will be to support frontline medical workers and community organizations in need,” says the Canada Tire Corporation statement.  “In addition to donating PPE, we are prepared to meet the demand for other essential products – such as cleaning supplies, scrubs, running and safety shoes – needed by frontline medical workers and community organizations.”

Frontline medical and community organizations in need of essential products are asked to request support through the company’s website.

“Working through the networks of the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada will help us quickly reach the communities who need our help the most,” said Greg Hicks, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation. “With such a large national footprint in communities across Canada, and the backing of our family of companies, we are in a unique position to provide frontline and community workers with products that will help keep them safe and effective on the job.”

In addition to the Response Fund, Canadian Tire Associate Dealers have independently donated 160,000 masks, 164,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 litres of hand sanitizer to local hospitals, nursing homes, and community organizations in need throughout the country.