Covid-19 hit economies around the world hard. Especially small businesses who don’t have the assets to survive this unstable period like mega corporations do.
In Egypt, many local businesses as well as low-income individuals can no longer safely rely on their jobs to get through the month. And with curfews and panic triggering hoards of people in supermarkets to stock up, rent and utilities have become the least of their worries.
In response, corporations, agencies and other entities have pledged and fulfilled donations to the working class.
Orange Egypt donated 5 million EGP to thousands of families impacted by the precautionary measures taken to further prevent the spread of the virus. As shops close up or submit to the new curfew laws, household incomes around Egypt are threatened.
The Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Nevine Al-Kabbaj, praised Orange for their initiative to support the Egyptian citizens entitled to their paychecks. She also called on all private sector companies to follow suit in order to support the affected families.
CEO of Orange EG, Yasser Shaker, stated “the company is honored to cooperate with the state represented in the Ministry of Social Solidarity to reach those who are entitled for support which is an integral part of our role towards the Egyptian society that we are honored to serve”.
The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has donated 250 million EGP to support governmental efforts taken to aid the groups affected the most by the precautionary measures. This is in addition to President Al-Sisi’s 100 billion EGP comprehensive plan to battle the spread of coronavirus and the burden that comes with measures taken around it.
The head of the FRA, Mohamed Omran, told the Middle East News Agency (MENA) that the donation was taken in accordance to the belief that the private sector and state institutions must work together to support the country at such a strenuous time.
In parallel, an Egyptian MP also announced they were donating money to affected to workers. They urged other members of parliament to do so as well.
Farag Amer, president of the Egyptian Smouha Sporting Club, has opened up a fund to help workers involved with the recently suspended football activities.
These efforts taken by our very own organizations and institutions are imperative in restoring the stability and livelihood many Egyptians depend on. As we join the world in battling this unprecedented circumstance, we like to thank everyone involved for doing what they can at a time where every penny and every word-of-mouth counts.
Stay home and stay safe.
Author: Ezz