Canadian luxury retailer, Canada Goose, is dedicating its manufacturing resources to assist in the fight against COVID-19.
The Toronto-based retail company, known for its high-end winter coats, said it will be starting production on medical scrubs and hospital gowns, two items that are in short supply across the country.
In a press release issued by Canada Goose, they highlight that distribution to hospitals of the new gowns and scrubs will begin as early as next week.
“To help address the urgent need facing healthcare workers and patients across the country, Canada Goose has committed to producing medical gear at two of its manufacturing facilities, starting in Toronto and Winnipeg, with the opportunity to extend production across additional facilities as needed,” reads a statement from the company.
According to the retailer, approximately 50 employees will be allocated to manufacturing the medical gear at each facility with the aim of producing 10,000 units.
“Across Canada, there are people risking their lives every day on the frontlines of COVID-19 in healthcare facilities, and they need help. Now is the time to put our manufacturing resources and capabilities to work for the greater good,” said Dani Reiss, President & CEO, Canada Goose. “Our employees are ready, willing and able to help, and that’s what we’re doing. It’s the Canadian thing to do.”
The gear will be donated at no cost and the company is following advice from governments and health authorities in order to follow the recommended protocols for social distancing and sanitation within facilities.
The company also announced that it has established an Employee Support Fund for those impacted by store and manufacturing closures
Reiss has also indicated he will forego his salary for at least three months as a way of putting more money into the fund.
Other companies are dedicating their systems and services in an effort to fight COVID-19 as well including Nanaimo’s Harmac pulp mill.
Graham Cox
