In an effort to combat the trying times that most of us are feeling in the current state of the world, Sony, along with an amazing list of Artisans and Collective members, aim to inspire, spread hope, as well as financially back those in need.
It's no secret that a good chunk of the world is not only lonely right now, but looking for comfort, hope, and as Mr. Rogers would say, "the helpers." The days prove challenging as the things you need to do are hard to start and the things you want to do seem inaccessible, and all the while uncertainty hangs in the air. But a problem paired is a problem shared, so take some comfort in that you are not alone, and if you look for the helpers they are there. That simple message is something Sony wants to convey to all creators, and in that spirit, a number of creators have come together to speak candidly for our community in a video of advice, hope, and inspiration to help you through — and from artists and creators that are in your same shoes; living some version of the same reality.
It's heartwarming to see, and even if for a moment, it can make you feel a little bit better. But it goes beyond that. We've seen companies like Netflix and Facebook put their money and actions where their mouth is by donating millions to the relief effort, and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a tighter grip on our world, Sony has constructed and committed to $100 Million relief fund to support front line workers, educators, children, and creatives who all of a sudden have found their world upended. Sony is developing and deploying programs and initiatives to support the creative community in various ways. From music to imaging, Sony will be supporting the content creators that are the main users of their products. Users that have been hit hard with cancelations and postponements.
Of the total, $10 million of the fund is set to go directly to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO in order to support medical workers and those that are essential to fighting the pandemic, and the company has also committed to working with its external partners in an effort to minimize the spread of the virus.
One other feature of the Sony relief fund that I found especially motivating is their new matching gift program, announced to their more than 110,000 employees in an effort to encourage the gift of giving during these hard times.
In closing, Kenichiro Yoshida, President and CEO of the Sony Corporation, said, "Sony extends condolences to the families of those who have passed away as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and extends its sympathies to all those who have been impacted. In order to overcome the unprecedented challenges that as a society we now face around the world, we will do all we can as a global company to support the individuals on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, the children who are our future, and those who have been impacted in the creative community."
In a time where most companies are battening down the hatches in preparation for economic instabilities and uncertainty, its awe-inspiring to see companies stepping up to the plate. Not only to help the industries they are part of, but also the people responsible for our salvation and future.
