BMW Group South Africa’s contribution to the fight against the spread of Covid-19 stepped up a gear today as the company loaned 17 BMWs to the South African Red Cross Society.
The Red Cross has asked for assistance to help it reach marginalised and poor communities that have been badly impacted by the lockdown regulations required to mitigate against the uncontrolled spread of the virus.
The cars, the majority of which are Rosslyn-built BMW X3s, will be used by the Red Cross to reach these communities. In addition to the provision of screening and contact tracing, the cars will assist with the distribution of hot meals and food parcels, the dissemination of information in six languages, the elimination of coronavrius myths, and the provision of psycho-social support to volunteers and emergency personnel engaged in anti-Covid-19 operations.
Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said the loan of the cars was aimed at providing help where it is needed most.
“The Red Cross is a symbol of hope for people in need across the world, and it really is an honour to support their work in the fight against this terrible virus in South Africa,” Mr Abbott said.
“I hope that these 17 cars – especially the locally built X3 SAVs – make it possible for the Red Cross to get to more remote and marginalised communities, and to take that symbol of hope with them.
“We’ve been building cars in Rosslyn for nearly five decades. We’re part of this country and we’re committed to its future. More than at any time I can remember, now is the time society needs to come together and help each other where we can. I’m delighted to make these cars available to the Red Cross. If we all do our bit to help, we’ll get through this together,” Mr Abbott concluded.
