Mars, Incorporated – the global petcare, food and confectionery business has pledged to offer critical medical equipment worth $2.3 million as part of its ongoing efforts to support the community in battling the current health crisis in India. In partnership with international organizations such as Oxfam, CARE and Business Fights Poverty – Crown Agents along with local NGO, Sankalp Beautiful World, Mars aims to support access to healthcare, critical medical equipment, medications and services for families and children in need.

Mars is providing 404 oxygen concentrators for patients in hospitals as well as home quarantine, 200 oxygen masks and 200 oxygen central pipeline flow meters, transportation from villages to medical or quarantine centers, food rations, and other necessary, life-saving measures. These resources are intended to provide lasting support that will continue to benefit communities throughout Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. 

Expressing his thoughts, Kalpesh R Parmar, General Manager, Mars Wrigley, India said, “The past few months have been difficult and times like these, require us to step up and support one another. Mars has always been committed to India and the health and well-being of our communities is our priority. We have been working with frontline workers and communities in different parts of the country since last year, and this initiative is another step towards ramping up the medical infrastructure. It is heartening to see everyone rallying together to help in whatever way they can.” 

As part of the total, the Mars Wrigley Foundation has awarded $300,000 to Save the Children, who in addition to medical equipment and support, will provide broader healthcare services for families and children. The Tasty Bite Foundation, a non-profit organization of Tasty Bite Eatables Limited, a Mars group entity, has also donated approximately $82,000 Rs 59 lakh to create two healthcare centres with 160 beds each for affected patients and have equipped two hospitals with life-saving equipment and medicines in Maharashtra. 

This support is a part of many such initiatives being undertaken by Mars not only for the wellbeing of its workforce but also for the communities where it operates and sources its ingredients. Mars had earlier rolled out a series of comprehensive health & well-being initiatives, to benefit Associates, contracted workers and people who support the business in India. This includes corporate vaccination sponsorship for over 6,000 associates, contractors and their family members to help and encourage them to take this significant step in fighting this battle, along with other support measures.