Global reinsurance giant Swiss Re, through the Swiss Re Foundation, has donated CHF 5 million (USD 5.2 million) to support global COVID-19 relief efforts.
The pledge has been made through the reinsurer’s non-profit grant foundation, which will distribute the funds to organisations tackling the current crisis, particularly in emerging countries.
Specifically, the Swiss Re Foundation will contribute CHF 1 million (USD 1.04 million) to the International Committee of the Red Cross, and CHF 1 million to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). The remaining CHF 3 million (USD 3.1 million) will be distributed to other Swiss Re Foundation partners for global relief efforts.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Trustee of the Swiss Re Foundation, Christian Mumenthaler, commented: “The rapid spread of COVID-19 affects all of us and shows how vulnerable we are as a society. As health systems are struggling in their response to the crisis, our contribution is meant to support those who are fighting on the front lines.
“The Swiss Re Foundation has well established ties to relief organisations that operate on both a global and a local level, so we are confident the funds will quickly help to provide support where it is needed the most.”
Additionally, the Switzerland-based reinsurer has also invited its employees to make contributions to Médecins Sans Frontières via the Swiss Re Foundation, and has said that it will match any donations made. The reinsurer is also making funds available to support community engagement projects in its locations around the globe.
