Businesses step up amid Coronavirus
Businesses step up amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, and so can we. The coronavirus outbreak has brought out the worst in people. Panicky shoppers are shoving to get at the last case of water, and the slightest cough sets off nasty barbs. At the same time, though, another movement of kindness and generosity is gaining momentum across the country. Let’s look at some of the goodwill the outbreak has spurred on a business level and explore ways we can exhibit kindness.
Businesses are stepping up Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Dozens of large and small businesses are supporting their staff through this time, establishing relief funds, and donating generously to individuals whose finances have been adversely impacted by the outbreak. Here are a few examples:
Postmates Deliveries:
The delivery company is waiving restaurant commission fees for new merchants who’d like to use its service to accommodate customers who won’t visit restaurants for fear of contracting COVID-19. Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash are also on board with helping out local companies and have waived fees.
Scholastic Company:
The public educational company has set up a “Learn From Home” website to provide students stuck at home due to school closures with online courses.
Spectrum Internet:
The internet company is offering 60 days of free Wi-Fi for families whose kids are home from school so that they can join online classes.
Elevate Credit Union
We are also doing our share in relieving the financial stress of those affected by the virus. We are offering:
- Support Loans
- Payments online (fee waived)
- Budget counseling
- Skip-a-pay
- Debt consolidation
You can help, too
You don’t have to be a multi-millionaire or a business owner to help make this challenging time a little easier for others. Here are some ways you can pay it forward:
Share your staples.
If you have more staples than you need, consider sharing. Post a short note on social media asking if anyone needs milk, bread, toilet paper, or hand sanitizer. To avoid physical contact, drop the extras off at your neighbor’s doorstep rather than hand delivering.
Call the elderly.
If you have a family member or a friend in a nursing home or an assisted living residence, they’re likely feeling vulnerable and lonely. Non-essential visits are out, but a friendly phone call is always welcome.
Help the homebound.
If you know of people stuck at home, call them to ask if there are errands you can run for them. (Follow the guidelines above to avoid physical contact.) They likely feel isolated and helpless, but your small offer can go a long way toward lightening their burden.
If businesses can step it up amid the Coronavirus pandemic, so can we. Let’s take this unique opportunity to make the world brighter, one act of kindness at a time. Like this post? Check out our other MoneySmart Tips.
