Global coffee giant Starbucks has announced a US$10 million fund to support its partners (employees) around the world impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
The Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Programme marks the first time both company-operated and international licensed market store partners across Starbucks will be able to access hardship grants.
In company-operated markets such as China and Japan, the grants will be made available to partners through the existing Caring Unites Partners Fund – while in the rest of Asia, where Starbucks operates with local licensed businesses, they will be available to partners through the Emergency Assistance Foundation.
“During this very difficult time, we believe it is our responsibility to create additional support for partners facing unexpected financial hardship wherever they are,” said Starbucks’ chief partner officer Lucy Helm. “We are proud to be a catalyst for a first-of-its-kind global funding initiative to further demonstrate to our Starbucks partners that we are in this together.”
Starbucks’ commitment will also create a pathway for international licensed markets to set up their own funds, with Starbucks contributing an initial investment – a first for the company.
Qualified categories for fund grants include (but are not limited to) housing and utilities, sudden loss of home, death of a family member or partner, and related funeral expenses.