Rosecliff Community Salutes Healthcare Heroes and Essential Workers
‘Community’ is a word that has been used over and over again during this crisis. Community can be the product of a great brand, a shared experience, or shared ideology. When times are good, I find that ‘soft’ words like community can be brushed off as unimportant. But now more than ever, mutual respect and the willingness to give are helping us weather this storm.
How do we foster community actions during times of sickness and isolation? We can start with generosity. Usually, people are not good at asking for help. In the absence of a smile or a handshake, we can still virtually offer support to one another. We are so proud of the way our portfolio companies have generously lent time and resources to those that are fighting the spread of COVID-19 — below you’ll see an excerpt of the creative ways our portfolio companies have adapted to offer a helping hand.
Our telehealth portfolio companies — Thirty Madison, Ro, and Brightside — are assisting the fight against COVID by digitally expanding access to medical care while the country is following shelter in place orders. Read more here.
We are particularly proud of the way Juice Press has helped local hospital workers, nurses, and doctors right here in NYC. So far, Juice Press has served over 5,000 NYC healthcare workers smoothies and juices to keep them fueled. These pre-packaged foods are sterile, can be consumed ‘on the go’ and are packed with nutrients and organic ingredients that our healthcare heroes need to boost their immune systems they work long days saving lives. JP has also rolled out it’s grocery delivery of organic fruits, veggies, supplements, and other fan-favorite products. They offer two-day delivery in the NY and Boston areas.
Wheels Up CEO Kenny Dichter and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson teamed up with Feeding America to provide meals to those in need. Together with Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Tom Brady, and other celebrities, they’ve donated millions of meals. Additionally, through April 2020, Juice Press will donate $10 from every JP Grocery purchase to Feeding America through Wheels UP.
Allbirds has distributed more than $500,000 worth of shoes to healthcare workers since the beginning of the COVID epidemic. They’ve added a “buy-one-give-one” option, so customers can choose to donate a pair of wool runners to a healthcare professional.
Ample Hills has distributed tasty ice cream pints to NYC hospital workers, nurses, and doctors to sweeten their long hours on the job.
SnackNation launched their Work-From-Home Wellness boxes. For every box sold, SnackNation is donating one meal to families in need with Feeding America. They’re also donating 500,000 snacks to food banks who have seen decreases donations as a result of the outbreak.
ForDays is working with front-line healthcare professionals around the country to sew protective masks in their LA production facility. Every purchase made at fordays.com goes towards sewing and distributing masks to essential workers. You can head to their website to buy 5 masks for yourself, which automatically donates 5 masks to those in need the community.
Heyday facial experts are offering free 15 min virtual skin consultations for essential workers. Wearing PPE all day, every day leaves skin dry and rough. This makes it difficult for workers on the front lines to protect themselves without experiencing chafing, cuts, or abrasions. Heyday skin therapists can suggest the right products and methods of care to help essential workers wear PPE without irritation.
Recycle Track Systems (RTS) published “A Waste Hauler’s Perspective on the COVID-19 Crisis” to highlight the experiences of essential workers that are doing jobs we may not consider when thinking about the pandemic. The average American produces 4.5 pounds of waste a day and that number will likely rise while following shelter in place orders. For those on the ground — trash collectors, drivers, waste sorters, facility operators and technicians — RTS is spreading the word about the importance of the work they do now, and always. Read their interview with David Workman, owner of LakeShore Recycling & Disposal on the RTS blog.
Religion of Sports launched the podcast “Now For Tomorrow”, featuring founder Gotham Chopra and his father, Deepak Chopra. The father-son team discuss healthy coping mechanisms for the uncertain times we are all experiencing.
