Dole Partners with World Vision India to Provide COVID-19 Relief to Rural Communities

MUMBAI, October 2021 – Dole Sunshine Company (Dole) announces the launch of a US$100,000 COVID-19 relief initiative to support rural communities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. As a company driven by the promise Sunshine For All, Dole is committed to bridging the inequities that exist in the availability of nutrition for everyone. Inspired by this commitment, the company is partnering with World Vision India to provide healthcare support to underserved communities in some parts of India.

In partnership with World Vision India, Dole has distributed and deployed oxygen concentrators, personal protective equipment (PPE), medicine and food supplies to communities in Jabalpur and Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Dharangaon and Nanded district in Maharashtra.

The amount of US$100,000 was allocated to buying 20 oxygen concentrators and 10,000 sets of PPE (goggles and overall protective wear). Beneficiaries of this equipment include Government Rural Hospital in Dharangaon (Maharashtra) and Community Health Centres in Dharampuri and Dhamnod in Dhar district (Madhya Pradesh).

Aashim Malhotra, Vice President and Managing Director APAC Region, Dole Sunshine Company – Food and Beverages Group said: “We wanted to play our part in alleviating the ongoing medical crisis in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dole decided to focus on communities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra where there are still opportunities to strengthen the COVID-19 management infrastructure. We are pleased to partner with World Vision India, who have supported us in reaching the local communities for this initiative.”

“We are overwhelmed that Dole has come forward to support World Vision India’s efforts in strengthening health care systems specially in the rural areas. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all witnessed how timely intervention and availability of medical assistance can save many lives. Corporate partnerships like this will help World Vision India extend its COVID-19 relief response to many more health care centres. This contribution from Dole will help children and communities in the rural areas to get timely access to health facilities,” said Sony Thomas, Group Director – Resource Mobilisation & Public Engagement, World Vision India.

Media Enquiries
Elainn Gey
Associate, Peppercomm Asia on behalf of Dole Sunshine Company
Email: eGey@peppercomm.com
Tel: +65 9628 2323

About The Dole Promise

In June 2020 Dole Asia Holdings announced the Dole Promise, with its three pillars around nutrition, sustainability and the creation of shared value.

Better for People: Access to sustainable nutrition for 1 billion people by 2025, moving towards zero processed sugar in all Dole products by 2025.

Better for Planet: zero fruit loss from Dole farms to markets by 2025, zero fossil-based plastic packaging by 2025, net zero carbon emissions in Dole operations by 2030.

Better for all Stakeholders: Dole will continue to positively impact all farmers, communities and people working for Dole – through its commitment to equal opportunity, living wages, and an ever-increasing level of safety, nutrition, and wellbeing. The company also seeks to advance human rights within the direct operations and supply chains by building a culture of transparency and accountability.

About The Dole Sunshine Company

The name Dole Sunshine Company is used to represent the global interests and combined efforts of Dole Asia Holdings, Dole Worldwide Packaged Foods and Dole Asia Fresh. Dole Sunshine Company is not an actual business entity and does not operate as such in any country or region. For more information on Dole Sunshine Company, please visit DoleSunshine.com or sunshineforall.com/en/blog

About World Vision India

World Vision India is one of the country’s largest child-focused humanitarian organisations. With over seven decades of experience at the grassroots, we employ proven, effective development, public engagement and relief practices empowering vulnerable children and communities living in contexts of poverty and injustice to become self-sufficient and bring lasting change. We serve all children regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender as a demonstration of Christ’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision India works in 143 districts (as on 1st Oct, 2020) impacting around 26 lakh children and their families in over 6200 communities spread across 23 states and 3 union territories to address issues affecting children, in partnership with governments, civil societies, donors and corporates. For more information, go to https://www.worldvision.in/