Sony Creates $100 Million Fund To Support COVID-19 Relief

Sony has announced that it will be committing $100 million in support of COVID-19 relief around the world. The fund is called the "Sony Global Relief Fund for COVID-19," with the intention of providing funding to those in need during this crisis.

Support will be divided into three main areas:

1. Assistance to individuals engaged in the medical field like doctors, nurses, and first responders fighting the virus on the front-lines.

2. Implementing new forms of education for children and educators who can no longer attend school and must work from home.

3. Support for members of the creative community within the entertainment and gaming industries impacted.

Sony has pledged 10% of the fund will be sent to medical support, in assistance with the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO powered by the UN Foundation and Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These foundations are devoted to assisting medical professionals and workers currently assisting in the effort to prevent the further spread of the virus and contribute to the treatment of the public.

In terms of assisting teachers and children, Sony is looking to explore ways in which the company can leverage the technologies at its disposal in support of educational activities, and to help coordinate with educators to implement these changes in a seamless way.

"Sony extends its 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" said Kenichiro Yoshida, President and CEO of Sony Corporation, in a statement.

Sony also plans to assist those working in the creative communities that have been affected by the pandemic. The company is looking into ways to support creators and artists in these professions, including those who have been impacted by the cancellation of events and work. That includes those who work or participate in music, pictures, games, and animation, along with group companies working in the entertainment industry.

A matching gift program will also be available to the 110,000 Sony employees around the world.

Sony says it will continue to work with its partners and stakeholders to find more ways to help those in need and further extend these initiatives.