Apple Pledges Substantial Donation With Medical Supplies to Italy's First Responders and Medical Personnel

Apple CEO Tim Cook today announced on Twitter that Apple is making a substantial donation that includes medical supplies to Protezione Civile in Italy, with the funds set to help first responders, medical personnel, and volunteers working to combat the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

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Apple last week said that it has made multiple donations to the global COVID-19 response to help treat the sick and lessen the economic and community impacts of the pandemic. Apple has so far donated $15 million worldwide.

The company is also matching all employee donations two-to-one to support COVID-19 response efforts locally, nationally, and internationally.


In a tweet yesterday, Cook also said Apple was supporting Silicon Valley Strong, a new Bay Area initiative to help those harmed by the coronavirus outbreak. Donated funds are used to help senior citizens, disadvantaged kids, and people struggling from food insecurity.

In an announcement sent out last week, Cook said that Apple is indebted to first responders, doctors, researchers, public health experts, and public servants globally working to stop the spread of the virus.

There is no mistaking the challenge of this moment. The entire Apple family is indebted to the heroic first responders, doctors, nurses, researchers, public health experts and public servants globally who have given every ounce of their spirit to help the world meet this moment. We do not yet know with certainty when the greatest risk will be behind us.

And yet I have been inspired by the humanity and determination I have seen from all corners of our global community. As President Lincoln said in a time of great adversity: "The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew."

That's always how Apple has chosen to meet big challenges. And it's how we'll rise to meet this one, too.

At the current time, Apple has shut down all of its stores around the world outside of Greater China, where the infection seems to have abated for the most part. Apple employees able to do so are working from home, and those who cannot are still receiving their pay from Apple.

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Top Rated Comments

PickUrPoison Avatar
67 months ago

That’s significant, even for Apple
15 billio...oh, wait
Shameful, sad, pathetic comment.

Nothing Apple does is ever good enough for the Apple-hate crowd, is it?

Maybe in this time of human tragedy, it’s not the time for Apple bashing, huh? Maybe?
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jdblas69 Avatar
67 months ago

That’s significant, even for Apple
15 billio...oh, wait
$15 millon donated so far. And you have donated how much??
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GForensic Avatar
67 months ago

That’s significant, even for Apple
15 billio...oh, wait
Have to agree with others here....very shameful....very shameful indeed. Apple may do some questionable things once and a while but one thing they are is tremendously great at helping others in time of need. And this is one of those times. And yes, I am an Apple user but this story is about Apple as humanitarians and not just business people. Well done Apple....well done.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citysnaps Avatar
67 months ago
Hat-tip to Apple and Mr. Cook.


That’s significant, even for Apple
15 billio...oh, wait
Was embarrassing yourself really that necessary? Be happy for others that Apple stepped up.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BWhaler Avatar
67 months ago
Wonderful, and thank you Apple. Your ethics and stance on privacy is why I remain a customer through thick and thin.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Dee Avatar
67 months ago
Wishing everyone in Italy blessings and fast recovery from this pandemic.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)