Friday Five Roundup: Company Good Will and PR During COVID-19 [Part II]

By: Dahlia Farhat


As the spread of the coronavirus continues to rapidly increase, once crowded streets are now eerily empty. While people are still technically allowed to go out, social distancing must be taken seriously. Officials recommend to engage in activities that one can do alone or to keep at least a 6 feet distance between you and others. You can go out for a walk, run, or go to the grocery store. However, hosting a spring BBQ or playing a game of basketball with your friends is not acceptable. It is highly recommended that people stay in their homes as much as possible and only go out when necessary. Nevertheless, at this time, we are also seeing creativity, generosity, and organizations putting their tools to use, or commoditizing their services. Here is this week’s list of companies' change in offerings to the public during this crisis.

1. Canada Goose Making Personal Protective Equipment



On March 25th, Canada Goose announced that the company will be leveraging it’s manufacturing facilities to begin the production of medical gear for healthcare workers and patients during the fight against COVID-19. They will be focusing on manufacturing medical gear that is in low supply across Canada. They have announced that they will start producing scrubs and patient gowns beginning the week of March 30 and distribute them locally to hospitals at no cost. Canada Goose is committed to producing this medical gear starting at two of their major manufacturing facilities in Toronto and Winnipeg. They also are willing to produce this gear in additional manufacturing facilities as needed. Approximately 50 employees will work at each facility with an initial goal of mass producing 10, 000 units. Dani Reiss, President & CEO, Canada Goose said “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. Our employees are ready, willing and able to help, and that’s what we’re doing. It’s the Canadian thing to do.”