Panda Express’s founders and charitable arm combined forces to donate $2 million of medical supplies to patients and healthcare workers amid the coronavirus pandemic, the South Pasadenan reported.
The 37-year-old company announced the donation and a creation of a fund to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals.
“We thank our guests for their generosity during this challenging time. And most of all, we thank the frontline healthcare workers and first responders, risking their lives every day for those in need,” said Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of the Panda Restaurant group.
“We will do everything in our ability, however big or small, to take care of our heroes. We are here for our community. And we are stronger when we stand together.”
Panda Express said the company, through its Panda Cares program, and its co-founders donated surgical and respirator masks and gloves to those in “COVID-19 hotbeds.” These included Southern and Northern California hospitals (Methodist Hospital of Southern California, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope Duarte, and Huntington Hospital), as well as those in New York, New Jersey, and Washington.
In addition, the company announced the launch of a “COVID-19 Community Care Fund” for those who wish to donate PPEs to communities.
“All guest donations made ( thru April 18) will be put towards additional PPE, such as respirator masks, face shields, and gowns, to help other hospitals in highly affected areas,” the statement continued.
It added that the company’s co-founders and co-CEOs, Andrew and Peggy Cherng, will “personally donate” to the fund.
The California-based company has been affected by the coronavirus, most recently shutting down 11 of its New York City restaurants, as well as some New Jersey locations, in response to the pandemic. Panda Express has also moved to drive-thru, delivery, and carry-out options, as well as implementing temperature checks for their employees, according to Eater.com.
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