Novartis in Canada, including Sandoz Canada, initiates Community Strong COVID-19 response program
- United Way Centraide Canada & Food Banks Canada to receive donations through the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. and Sandoz Canada Inc. program
- Special fund created for organizations supporting COVID-19 patient needs
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. and Sandoz Canada Inc. employee contributions to provide additional community group funds
Dorval, Quebec, April 27, 2020 – Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. and Sandoz Canada Inc. announced today that $500,000 will be given to community and patient groups as part of the companies’ newly created Community Strong COVID-19 response program. Bringing support to communities in need and collaborating with patient organizations to address the needs of patients is very much a priority for the organization at this critical time.
The Community Strong program was initiated by Novartis in Canada, which includes the Innovative Medicines Division (Oncology and Pharma business units) and Sandoz Canada, and is an immediate response to support Canadians who are most in need. A portion of the response fund has been allocated to donations to support patient organizations with COVID-19-related objectives. As part of the program and to support the generosity of associates from across the Novartis divisions, an employee donation program has been established whereby up to $50,000 in contributions will be matched by the company.
“I am proud to say that since the beginning of this crisis, we have not wavered on our delivery of medicines to patients who count on them or on our commitment to healthcare professionals. We recognize that the needs of communities across the country are much greater at this time and created the Community Strong program to show we care,” said Christian Macher, Country President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. “We are inspired by all individuals who are going above and beyond, including our associates who themselves will be making personal donations. Our communities need us and so do the patients we serve.”
United Way Centraide Canada and Food Banks Canada have been identified as the first organizations to receive donations through the Novartis Community Strong COVID-19 Response program.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Novartis and Sandoz in Canada and over the years they have supported our cause. We are grateful for the contribution from Novartis and the company’s employees. More than ever, our mandate to support Canadians who face poverty, homelessness and social isolation is vital and this generous donation will be put to good use,” said Dan Clement, President & CEO, United Way Centraide Canada.
“Our mission is a Canada without hunger. Food banks across our country have been directly impacted by this pandemic and we are relying on the generosity of Canadians and good corporate citizens like Novartis and Sandoz Canada so we can help fund local food banks during this incredibly difficult time,” said Chris Hatch, CEO, Food Banks Canada.
Business continuity and supply of our medicines
The Canadian patients we serve can continue to count on us. In addition to bringing support to the communities we work with, Novartis is committed to business continuity and safeguarding the supply of our medicines for patients across the country who rely on them. Since the start of the pandemic, Novartis manufacturing sites, including the Sandoz sterile injectable manufacturing plant in Boucherville, as well as our major suppliers have continued to be operational to help us deliver on our promise.
About Novartis global response to COVID-19
Novartis is responding to COVID-19 with the safety of associates and patients globally as our primary concern. Novartis is also contributing to research efforts, supporting communities and ensuring stable supply and price of essential medicines. In the face of this global crisis, Novartis has mobilized R&D capabilities, medicines, clinical trials expertise and philanthropic aid to address the coronavirus pandemic. For more information about the Novartis global response to COVID-19, visit https://www.novartis.com/coronavirus/response
About Novartis in Canada
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2018, the company invested $52 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,000 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca.
About Sandoz in Canada
Sandoz Canada Inc. is part of Sandoz International GmbH, a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars and a pioneer in the emerging field of prescription digital therapeutics, and a division of Swiss multinational Novartis AG. A leader in its field, Sandoz in Canada, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad line of generic, biosimilar and specialty products. For more information, visit www.novartis.ca.
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About Novartis globally
Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world’s top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach more than 750 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 145 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at www.novartis.com.
Novartis Media Relations
Stephanie Weinstein
Novartis Corporate Communications
+1 438 364 4346
E-mail: [email protected]