When we look at the way in which the business world has responded to the current conflict in Ukraine, we can generally place each business into one of three categories...
Businesses that have suspended operations with Russia
Businesses that are remaining silent or still operating in Russia
And businesses that are actively putting using their resources to help those impacted by the conflict
The business world has the capacity and momentum to take a hard stance against Putin's War. Whilst ceasing operations in Russia is necessary, it is simply not enough.
So in this weeks blog, we're placing a spotlight on 4 businesses that are actively helping those that are most impacted by the crisis- on both sides.
Cosmetics company L’Oreal is doing it’s part by giving support to the Ukranian refugees and it’s Ukranian workers during the humanitarian crisis currently occurring.
L’Oreal has pledged 5 million euros to non-governmental organisations and United Nations agencies to support organisations giving aid to those fleeing Ukraine.
So far L’Oreal has also distributed 250,000 essential care and hygiene products to refugees who have left Ukraine.
L’Oreal is devoted to giving support to it’s 326 Ukranian employees, through accommodation, psychological, medical, financial and legal support. Alongside all of this, L’Oreal has temporarily closed all it’s store and e-commerce sites in Russia, whilst reportedly still taking care of their 2,500 Russian employees.
AIRBNB
Airbnb is partnering with local communities to offer housing to Ukrainian refugees amidst the Ukrainian/Russian conflict. These stays will be funded by donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund, and the generosity of Hosts through Airbnb.org. This will provide short term housing for up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine. The Airbnb leadership team have sent letters to leaders across Europe, starting with the leaders of Poland, Germany, Hungary and Romania, offering support in welcoming refugees within their borders. Airbnb plans to work closely with governments to best support the specific needs in each country, including by providing longer-term stays. This is another example of Airbnb offering up their resources in times of crisis. In their 2012 response to Hurricane Sandy, they provided housing to evacuees and relief workers on the frontlines. In the past 5 years they’ve also connected more than 54,000 refugees – from Syria, Venezuela and Afghanistan – to temporary housing through Airbnb.org partners. You can also help Ukrainians through Airbnb, by offering a place to stay for free or at a discount, or by making a donation which will connect people with short-term housing. Some people have also booked and paid for Ukrainian homes, not to be used, but to get money directly to Ukrainians.
T-MOBILE
Since February, the telecommunications company, T-Mobile, has been supporting those impacted by Putin's war. From late February to early March, T-Mobile has already offered support in a number of ways, including waiving international long-distance and international roaming charges for calls and SMS made to/from U.S. and Ukraine. They've also extended this offer to those in Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
On top of this, T-Mobile has made 'text-to-give' available to help customers make charitable donations. They're also matching employee donations to organisations supporting Ukrainian refugees, supplying them with up to $2,000 per employee, per year and donating up to $2,000 for every hour an employee volunteers at any refugee centre in the U.S.
CANVA
The Australian graphic design platform, Canva has also been supporting Ukraine. Canva released the following statement in relation to the conflict in Ukraine;
'As a global platform with a community across 190 countries, including a large community in Ukraine, we strongly believe in the important responsibility we have to use our voice, our platform, and our reach to stand behind our values.'
As one of their initial responses, they shipped 3,000 USB power banks to displaced people who have had to flee their homes for safety. They've followed this up by donating $1,000,000 to those impacted by the crisis. They've also committed to matching donations from their team, dollar-for-dollar, for up to $5,000 per team member.
By supporting these businesses as consumers, we can send a clear message to the business world...
We expect more...
Written by Siena Nisavic
Researched by Benjamin Vella
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