Some Good News: VF Corporation

SAC brand member VF Corporation has donated more than $10.3 million USD in relief efforts to support those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joined by the VF Foundation and the VF family of brands, the groups are focused on helping those in need now, pivoting to protective personal equipment, taking care of VF’s essential workers, and fulfilling commitments.

“Through the efforts of our family of brands and the VF Foundation, we are using our size, scale and purpose-led commitments to be a force for good,” says Steve Rendle, VF Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Collectively, our aim is to help millions of people around the world, especially those who are on the frontlines and in the most vulnerable communities.”

Financial Contributions

• $7 million USD in cash donations to directly support emergency responders, provide testing kits, medical supplies and help the financially vulnerable access food and social services
• $3.2 million USD in product donations to frontline workers
• $3.6 million USD PPE products in production to help keep medical and frontline workers safe 

A People First Approach

The company’s people first approach is guided by VF’s values, deeply rooted in social sustainability. The company has remained committed to ensuring workers are paid for the manufacturing of its products and put strict safety protocols in place at its facilities.  

VF is a signatory of the International Labor Organization’s Global Call to Action for Garment Industry Workers along with the SAC, IOE, IndustriALL, and other international apparel brands. Bangladesh, Cambodia, India and the Philippines, some of the most vulnerable countries in VF’s supply chain and home to millions of people who make up the garment industry, are seeing widespread layoffs with no system of national support to help the unemployed meet basic needs. VF Foundation donated $200,000 USD to aid the relief efforts in these important regions.

Protecting Frontline Workers

In total, VF brands have donated more than $3.2 million worth of products providing warmth and protection to frontline healthcare and essential workers. Donations include: 

• 60,000 pairs of gloves from The North Face
• 40,000 pairs of Vans shoelaces for face masks
• 24,000 pairs of Vans shoes
• 12,000 Jansport backpacks
• 7,000 Kipling waist packs
• 15,000 pairs of Smartwool socks
• 1,475 pairs of Timberland PRO nursing shoes and Timberland work boots
• 130 The North Face down jackets

Meanwhile, SAC sub-members through the VF Corp family, Altra, Dickies, Eagle Creek, Icebreaker, JanSport, Smartwool, The North Face, Timberland, and Vans will collectively donate as much as $5 million in funds to help fight the pandemic.  

Manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment

Before the pandemic, Dickies and VF workwear brands were already manufacturing protective gear including scrubs, lab coats, and disposable coveralls. Last month, VF helped the company quickly pivot to making critically needed medical gowns for U.S. healthcare workers. They can now manufacture 3.4 million gowns by September, which will be distributed to communities throughout the U.S. in cooperation with federal and state government leaders.

VF teams are making other forms of PPE as well, bringing PPE production to 3.6 million total pieces, including:

• 250,000 Vans canvas face masks
• 15,000 surgical masks
• 1,600 face masks

Supporting the Outdoor Industry Association 

In support of another SAC member organization, VF outdoor brands will also donate nearly $55,000 to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). The funds will directly support OIA’s small business members by providing the necessary tools, resources, and advocacy to help them get through the COVID-19 crisis, as well as help sustain OIA’s core work.

Learn more about VF Corporation’s COVID-19 efforts.