MISSISSAUGA, ON (APRIL 14, 2020) - Today, Amgen Canada Inc. (Amgen Canada) announced a range of initiatives to give donations, supplies and expertise to help Canadian communities fight the challenges presented by COVID-19. The impact of this program is valued at over $1 million.
Amgen Canada is providing support at a variety of levels. Highly skilled staff, including healthcare professionals, are encouraged to volunteer to support local communities in need through the COVID-19 Amgen Canada Volunteering Program. Staff can volunteer to act as surge support and in communities which are experiencing considerable strains.
Amgen Canada is also supporting governments, health authorities, hospitals, and healthcare professionals by sending essential supplies to the front lines. Most recently, Amgen Canada has made a substantial contribution to the industry-wide effort, led by Innovative Medicines Canada, to urgently supply 100,000 N95 masks to communities across the country. Amgen Canada has also made a considerable donation to the CanadaHelps COVID-19 HealthCare and Hospital Fund, which will be used to support charities and hospital foundations providing medical response efforts, lifesaving aid and critical equipment
CanadaHelps COVID-19 Community Care Fund has also received a significant donation from Amgen Canada, which will help to provide relief and support to vulnerable people, including seniors, children, and those who require special assistance.
“With these timely and generous donations, CanadaHelps will not only be able to offer increased support to Canadian charities to provide life-saving aid and critical equipment in response to COVID-19, but also provide emergency aid to people in our communities who face difficulties coping with the disruption and economic fallout from the pandemic,” said Marina Glogovac, President and CEO, CanadaHelps.
As well as providing considerable support to local communities, Amgen Canada is ensuring its patients receive the support they need during this time. Amgen will provide its medicines free of charge to Canadian patients who are currently prescribed an Amgen medication and no longer have prescription drug coverage due to loss of employment related to COVID-19. The company will also provide support to patient associations for COVID-19 related programs and to those organizations that have experienced hardship during the pandemic, allowing them to continue their important work.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting science education, Amgen remains focused on providing science learning opportunities during this time. Not only does the Amgen Foundation support the Khan Academy and LabXchange, which provide digital science learning, Amgen Canada has also set aside funds specifically to support its science education partners to finance COVID-19 related needs either for special programs or as a result of hardship experienced during the pandemic.
Lastly, Amgen Canada is encouraging employees to make charitable donations to COVID-19 relief efforts. The Amgen Foundation Disaster Relief Matching Gifts Program will match staff contributions to COVID-19 charitable funds across the globe, dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of the company’s giving worldwide.
“It is critical that everyone contributes to helping local communities in Canada fight the pandemic,” says Brian Heath, vice-president & general manager, Amgen Canada Inc., “We’re proactively seeking out ways that we can use our skills and expertise to help Canadians in need during these challenging times. As a company, we’re committed to helping our colleagues in government, healthcare and medical science in any way that we can.”
Amgen Canada’s commitment is part of the company’s global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, Amgen and the Amgen Foundation announced an initial commitment of up to $12.5 million (USD) to support U.S. and global relief efforts to address critical needs in communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to support emergency response efforts, patient-focused organizations that are mounting their own response efforts, and international relief efforts.
More information about Amgen Canada’s COVID-19 community support For more information about Amgen Canada’s COVID-19 community support program, including a short infographic about the giving, please visit amgen.ca.
About Amgen Canada
As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, Ont.’s vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, B.C., Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies and new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada’s leading health-care, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca.
About the Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next generation of innovators and invest in strengthening communities where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation has donated over $325 million to local, regional, and international non-profit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. The Amgen Foundation brings the excitement of discovery to the scientists of tomorrow through several signature programs, including Amgen Scholars and the Amgen Biotech Experience. For more information, visit AmgenInspires.com and follow us on Twitter @AmgenFoundation.
Media contact:
Natasha Bond
Amgen Canada
Ph: 905-285-3007
natasha.bond@amgen.com