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Together we'll make it through

#Group News
Amidst unprecedented global pandemic, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has engaged in a series of solidarity actions to support the communities in which we operate, dedicating our resources, assets and connections to address the challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

In Central & Eastern Europe, our teams are using their in-depth knowledge of the communities surrounding our assets to help local authorities and NGOs implement quick and effective solutions.


PREVENT & FIGHT

Our first priority is to do everything in our power to fight against COVID-19 and help stop the outbreak.

In Poland, medical staff is in constant demand of proper protection to avoid COVID-19 infection. To address the shortage, Fundacja Odkrycie, a local innovative NGO in Wroclaw, committed itself to print protective visors using 3D printers. In support of the initiative, Wroclavia financed the 3D filament needed for the production. The centre is also supporting paramedics from local hospitals through the donation of ready to eat, long-lasting food products. In Warsaw, Galeria Mokotów is purchasing medical supplies and equipment (masks, gloves, gowns, intubation protective shields, etc.) for the Ministry of Interior and Administration Hospital located nearby. Similar initiatives are also being rolled-out by Westfield Arkadia and Wroclavia in support of neighbouring hospitals battling the outbreak.

Likewise, in Slovakia, Aupark is supporting the regional crowdfunding initiative #WHOWILLHELPSLOVAKIA aimed at providing Slovak healthcare institutions with masks and other protective equipment.

In Prague, we are supporting a non-profit that brings assistance to mothers in dire situations through the installation of a safety mask vending machine inside Westfield Chodov. Each homemade mask (supplied by the NGO) is sold for €2 and 100% of the profits donated to the association. The centre also donated 150 homemade protection masks to the City, to supply workers and volunteers providing essential services such as taking care of the elderly. A donation box has also been set up at Metropole Zličín to support the NGO Klokanek and provide safety masks for children in need.


SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

In these uncertain times, some are more exposed than others. True to our longstanding commitment to support the communities in which we operate, our teams are addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, underprivileged families and children in urgent need of food and other daily necessities.

In the Czech Republic, Centrum Černý Most is working hand in hand with the local community (Praha 14), leveraging our communications tools and the strength of our social media presence to spread COVID19-related information and promote Praha 14's activities, including a nonstop, free of charge telephone help line dedicated to senior citizens. Metropole Zličín is partnering with ROSA, a Czech non-profit aiding women victim of domestic violence, to host free consultations in the centre and provide a safe space for women.

In Poland, Westfield Arkadia donated €2,330 to Foundation Szkola na Widelcu for their “Paczka Dobra” (Package of Good) project, supporting 40 families in need. The programme helps households across Warsaw who are facing very challenging situations due to COVID-19 (e.g. job loss, disability, inability to leave the house, cannot afford enough quality food, etc.) Meanwhile, Galeria Wileńska is working hand in hand with a local foundation aimed at increasing quality of life for members of the community, especially those facing difficult life situations and/or battling social exclusion. Initiatives include facilitating Internet access and purchasing laptops and mobile devices to enable children to take part in remote school activities; as well as financing grocery shopping and delivery services for the elderly and people unable to leave their house.

All these solidarity initiatives are in line with the Group’s purpose, Reinvent Being Together, which Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield now embodies in news ways by acting in support of local communities through initiatives adapted to the current needs.