The Hut Group (THG) has announced a donation of 3.5 million units of
personal protective equipment (PPE) to the NHS in Greater Manchester.
The online beauty and wellbeing retailer said it has sourced more than
25 tonnes of medical-grade PPE in recent weeks which it is airlifting to
the UK – the project is worth 2 million pounds.
The first batch of units is now at the Manchester-based company’s UK
distribution centre in Warrington and is ready to be distributed this
week.
The total breakdown of PPE units in the project include 150,000 face
masks; 50,000 disposable masks; 950,000 surgical gloves; 184,000 face
shields; 24,000 medical gowns; 1,500,000 single gloves; and 750,000 of
FFP2 masks.
THG said it is additionally airfreighting PPE for its staff.
Matthew Moulding, founder and chief executive officer of THG, said in a
statement: “NHS and frontline workers are doing an outstanding and vital
job to protect people in the UK. It is only right that we play our part and
utilise THG’s global network to source, buy and donate essential PPE. We
want to show our appreciation and play our part in helping keep them
safe.
“As this pandemic evolves, we will continue to do all we can to provide
support to those who need it most. The PPE donation is in addition to
THG’s 10 million pound aid package to support vulnerable communities, key
workers and emergency services in Manchester, the UK and other
markets during the Covid-19 crisis.”
The company in March announced a 10 million pound package including cash
donations to two Manchester-based charities. It also pledged all 70 rooms
in both of its Manchester city centre hotels – Great John Street Hotel and
King Street Townhouse – free of charge to NHS staff and Greater Manchester
Police during the pandemic.
Mayor Andy Burnham said: “This is a truly amazing gesture by The Hut
Group donating over 2 million pounds of vital PPE for frontline NHS and
social care staff and freight costs. I’m proud that a
Manchester-headquartered global business has used its international
contacts and purchasing power to support us in our hour of need to save
lives and protect the NHS. This comes on top of what they’ve already
donated to support our frontline staff across Greater Manchester. What a
great example of a business stepping up to help others.”
Photo credit: The Hut Group