Sony Launches $100M COVID-19 Relief Fund

$10 Million Will Be Devoted To The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund

The Tokyo-based Sony Corp. just launched a $100 million relief fund to support those who are most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The effort will specifically target three areas – first responders and frontline medical professionals, educators and students working remotely, and members in the entertainment industry.

The company said in a statement: “Together with its group companies engaged in the entertainment industry, Sony will seek ways to support up-and- coming creators, artists and all those in professions supporting the industry, who have been impacted by the cancellation or postponement of concerts and live events, or the shutting down of film and television productions.”

Although the announcement is still somewhat vague, Sony will provide support to creative sectors where it is heavily involved in – movies, music, television, animation, and games.

Some of the more specific plans include donating $10 million to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund organized by the WHO. Plus, Sony will match all coronavirus donations made by their employees all over the world.

Sony’s president and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida also said, “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.”

With the numbers of infected persons still rising, more and more livelihood have been affected including those in the music industry.