407 ETR Announces $5.2 Million Donation to Support Communities and Healthcare in Response to Pandemic – Company Continues Support to Customers
TORONTO, April 27, 2020 /CNW/ - 407 ETR today confirmed that, on behalf of its customers, shareholders and employees, the company will make a $5.2 million donation to help communities and assist hospitals with their response to the pandemic.
$4 MILLION DONATION TO THE UNITED WAY'S NETWORK OF AGENCIES IN DURHAM, HALTON, HAMILTON, PEEL, TORONTO AND YORK.
407 ETR is the first United Way corporate partner in Canada to commit to a multi-year investment that addresses the long-term impact on families caused by the COVID-19 crisis. By providing a $4-million investment over three years to United Way's network of agencies in Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Peel, Toronto and York, 407 ETR's aim is to build the resilience of the GTHA's vulnerable people and families both now, and over the longer-term.
407 ETR will work with the United Way Greater Toronto and the surrounding areas and has made a multi-year commitment totalling $4 million, consisting of:
an immediate emergency donation of $750,000 to the United Way Local Love Campaign
additional donations to assist United Way across the GTHA:
$500,000 in 2020 (total of $1.25 million with emergency donation above)
$1.75 million in 2021
$1.0 million in 2022
In making this three-year commitment to the United Way, 407 ETR builds on long-standing support for the United Way through employee and corporate donations as well as employee volunteer efforts. This additional financial support also acknowledges the GTHA's immediate and ongoing need to support recovery in the four key areas vital to every community: food security, isolated seniors, employment and income security and mental health.
$1.2 MILLION DONATION TO HOSPITALS ACROSS THE GTA
For many years, 407 ETR has also been a financial supporter to many hospitals along the corridor and across the GTHA. To recognize the increased demand on the health care system resulting from the pandemic, the company will make an additional $1.2 million gift to the hospitals it has supported both in the past and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing an additional $50,000 to each of these 24 hospitals will assist in the purchase of personal protective equipment, patient critical care equipment, and other items based on the local and individual needs of each hospital.
In March, 407 ETR also provided 24 GTHA hospitals with 407 ETR gift cards totalling more than $300,000 for toll-free highway travel to assist hospital workers.
Hospitals receiving $50,000 donations ($1.2 million total) are the following:
Ajax Pickering Hospital
CAMH Hospital
McMaster Hospital
Humber River Hospital
Joseph Brant Hospital
Lakeridge Oshawa Hospital
Mackenzie Health
Markham Stouffville Hospital
Michael Garron Hospital
Milton District Hospital
North York General
Oakville Hospital
Ontario Shores Mental Health
Scarborough General
SickKids
Southlake Regional Health Centre
St. Michael's Hospital
St. John's Rehab
Sunnybrook Hospital
Toronto General
Toronto Western
Credit Valley Hospital
Brampton Civic Hospital
Etobicoke General
SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS
407 ETR has taken a number of measures to ensure the safety of drivers by continuing to assist drivers when in need of assistance on the highway. In addition, customer service phone lines have re-opened with employees working from home, providing the award-winning customer service drivers have become accustomed to receiving. To help mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic on customers, the company has announced measures since the start of COVID-19, including:
Temporary suspension of interest on unpaid balances and collections activities
Temporary suspension of the issuance of plate denial notices
Seasonal toll rates announced on December 31, 2019 that were to take effect on May 1, which would have seen per kilometre rates increase, have been suspended. Per kilometre rates remain unchanged.
Suspension of the monthly/annual transponder lease payment for the month of May
Financial Hardship program has been expanded to assist customer experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19
Customers will retain their status in the 407 ETR Rewards Program
QUOTES
"The Board of 407 International has seen the clear need to respond in a meaningful way to the pandemic we are confronting together. Our Board has decided to make a 3-year commitment to the United Way agencies serving communities across the 407 ETR corridor in order to help those in need now and into the recovery period ahead. It will take time for communities, people and businesses to recover and we pleased to help that process as best we can. In addition, our immediate donations to healthcare facilities along the corridor is reflective of the very high value we place on our hospitals and rehabilitation centres and we wish to help mitigate their very significant and immediate needs during this time. Until we are past this very challenging period, our company will be there to assist the communities and drivers we serve." – David McFadden, Chair, 407 International Board of Directors
"The pandemic has impacted all of us personally and greatly impacted all businesses. At 407 ETR, our staff have always been willing to help the communities we serve and do so by both volunteering, participating in fundraisers and making donations throughout the year. Like many companies, we have an excellent team of both essential staff that are keeping the highway safe and assisting drivers on the highway and have another team working from home to assist customers with their account needs. At a time where we cannot be in the community personally, we're well aware that the need for assistance has only grown more during this very challenging period. We also know that the needs of communities across the GTHA will continue well beyond the immediate crisis and well into the recovery. It's for that reason that our Board decided to extend our commitment to the United Way to 2022. On behalf of our customers and all the communities and hospitals we seek to assist, I am very pleased to announce our donations and we wish everyone good health and look forward to returning to our regular routines." – Andres Sacristan, President & Chief Executive Officer, 407 ETR
"The COVID-19 pandemic threatens our community and its most vulnerable people in ways that we are only beginning to understand. More than ever, we need our social infrastructure, that invisible network of agencies people visit, call, and rely on in neighbourhoods across our region. We need it today, and we need it in the years to come. With this $4-million investment in United Way, 407 ETR is standing up as a true leader in our region. Thank you to the 407 ETR board and executive team for making a significant impact to strengthen the community sector and help GTA families emerge from this crisis resilient." – Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO, United Way Greater Toronto
"Thank you to 407 ETR for stepping forward to help the United Way support families hurt by the COVID-19 emergency. This is another example of the team effort underway across Toronto to help people as much as we can right now and in the aftermath of this pandemic. The City of Toronto is proud to be part of this effort to fight COVID-19 along with all governments, the not-for-profit sector, community organizations, businesses and residents." – Toronto Mayor John Tory
"This multi-year support, from 407 ETR, will directly impact the lives of thousands of people in Durham Region. From emergency, to relief, to recovery—this funding will support the United Way of Durham Region's efforts to rebuild communities, provide continued service, and address the issues that matter most. We look forward to seeing how our strong community spirit and deep-rooted collaborative activities will help to shape our stronger and more resilient Durham of tomorrow." – John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham
"As a proud supporter and Leadership Donor of the United Way Greater Toronto, I am pleased to hear of this multi-year investment from 407 ETR to Peel and our neighbour municipalities across 416 and 905. We all must work together to support our communities as we move towards recovery, and this includes working with and supporting our most vulnerable residents struggling with poverty, housing and homelessness. Together, with commitments such as this one to United Way, we will be able to support all residents as we regain strength coming out of the COVID-19 response." – Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair, Region of Peel
"During these times of uncertainty and rapid change the health, safety and well-being of our residents has remained the top priority for York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York. We are all feeling the effects of COVID-19, but for those who already face significant barriers such as poverty, homelessness and food insecurity, these times are even more challenging and difficult. Through partnerships with the United Way and the generous donation from the 407 ETR we can ensure that our most vulnerable residents continue to have access to the critical supports they need in the weeks, months and years ahead. On behalf of York Regional Council, I extend my sincere thanks to the 407 ETR board and executive team for the support and compassion they have shown to those in need." – Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chairman and CEO
"As a long-standing supporter of Sunnybrook, 407 ETR has demonstrated time and again their commitment to advancing innovative research and care. This generous gift is no exception. We are deeply grateful to this exemplary organization and to all of our community for rallying together as never before in the fight against one of the greatest challenges of our time." – Dr. Jon Dellandrea, Sunnybrook Foundation's President & Chief Executive Officer
"We are incredibly grateful to 407 ETR for this generous donation toward the OTMH COVID-19 Response Fund. Support from partners like 407 ETR is critical during this pandemic as it enables Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital to acquire the additional beds, ventilators and other equipment our clinical staff require to provide safe, world-class care to our patients and the community. Our sincere thanks to 407 ETR for your commitment to making a life-saving impact in the communities where people live, work and call home." – Mary McPherson, Chief Executive Officer, Oakville Hospital Foundation
About 407 ETR: Highway 407 ETR is a 108 kilometre toll road situated just north of Toronto, Ontario and serves over 500,000 commuters from Burlington to Pickering every workday. Using Highway 407 ETR saves more than 30 million hours of driving every year, allowing more time for things that matter most and connecting people and businesses in a fast, safe and reliable way.
Using Highway 407 ETR reduces fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance costs and lowers the environmental impact of driving by keeping drivers out of the gridlock and heavy traffic elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area. Vehicles moving at consistent speeds on Highway 407 ETR reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average 108 million kilograms per year. Since 1999, Highway 407 ETR has contributed economic benefits totaling over $16.0 billion within Ontario and is well known as the route of choice for businesses to move goods efficiently.
Making life better for customers and surrounding communities is an important focus for the Company. The Company and its employees also support local hospitals and the United Way, sponsor children and youth sports teams across the Highway 407 ETR corridor and supports environmental stewardship. Learn more at 407etr.com/community.
The Company is owned by indirectly owned subsidiaries of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (total 50.01%), Cintra Global S.E., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrovial S. A. (43.23%), and SNC-Lavalin (6.76%).
About United Way: As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTHA, United Way reinforces a crucial community safety net. United Way's network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across the region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive today. Mobilizing the network and other community support, United Way tackles #UNIGNORABLE issues linked to poverty. United Way's work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building lasting solutions to the region's greatest challenges. unitedwaygt.org
SOURCE 407 ETR Concession Company Limited
Get Outside: De-stress Outdoors Even While Social Distancing, But Be Responsible
Observe local ‘stay at home’ orders
Keep at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with
Don’t gather in large groups
Wear a face mask in public
Exercise. Throw a ball to your dog. Go for a short walk.
Use your ‘outdoor living room’ to connect with immediate family.
School closed? Keep kids engaged. Go on a nature hunt. Get outdoor lesson plans at TurfMutt.com.
Unwind. Find solace. Sit and listen to nature.
Plant something. Mow the yard. Trim a bush or tree.
Use Community Green Space Responsibly. Your Yard is Your Safe Space.
If you would rather not receive future communications from The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, let us know by clicking here. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, 1605 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 United States
Creation of an Emergency Fund for the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal
MONTREAL, April 27, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ -The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal is creating an Emergency Fund to support its research activities and is launching an appeal for solidarity.
IRIC is being deeply impacted by the forced stoppage of part of its activities as a result of the current crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of its core facilities, which represent a major monthly financial resource for the Institute, have had to cease part of their activities. The future of young investigators and the completion of several promising projects are therefore greatly jeopardized.
To make up for the critical shortfall caused by the temporary stoppage of certain research work, IRIC has created an Emergency Fund and is launching an appeal for solidarity.
Research is vital to help us fight diseases like cancer, or currently COVID-19. Many of the Institute's researchers possessing multipurpose and complementary skills have also been called upon to contribute to research on this new virus. They are working tirelessly to accelerate the advancement of knowledge and to find creative solutions to fight this pandemic. Their expertise, which includes the fields of bioinformatics, genomics and medicinal chemistry, is being harnessed in the hope to find innovative therapeutic solutions to fight COVID-19.
More than ever, IRIC needs help to continue its mission and is launching an appeal for generosity. The Institute is well aware that the current situation poses collective health issues as well as economic issues. Moreover, it's with small and major donations that its investigators will be able to make the difference. Each contribution counts to support the research carried out at IRIC and contributes to finding new solutions against cancer and, currently, against COVID-19.
In these challenging times and this period of great instability, IRIC would like to extend its warmest thanks for the support of its donors so that together, we can make a difference and overcome this extraordinary ordeal.
About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal
An ultra-modern research hub and training centre located in the heart of the Université de Montréal, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the Université de Montréal was created in 2003 to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer and discover new, more effective therapies to counter this disease. The IRIC operates according to a model that is unique in Canada. Its innovative approach to research has already led to discoveries that will, over the coming years, have a significant impact on the fight against cancer.
SOURCE Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal
SEIU Healthcare Statement on Compensation for Frontline Healthcare Workers
RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The below statement is from Sharleen Stewart, President of SEIU Healthcare, the union that represents over 60,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario:
STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT, SHARLEEN STEWART:
SEIU Healthcare advocated for an across the board wage increase for all healthcare workers at the onset of this pandemic, but a temporary pay bump cannot be a replacement for the personal protective equipment too many workers are still being denied.
While the news of this increase will be welcomed by healthcare workers who are struggling financially, it should be made retroactive to include those who are on unpaid leave as a result of quarantine or contracting COVID-19 themselves.
Our government can demonstrate if they truly believe these workers are heroes by making this temporary increase permanent.
Last year our union called on the provincial government to force profitable corporations to do the right thing and invest more of their profits into better frontline care. Instead they imposed a cruel wage cap for many healthcare workers, including cleaners, personal support workers and nurses. Now is the time to revoke Bill 124.
Further, the government must reform the system to include:
An ongoing supply of PPE for every essential worker
Full-time jobs with benefits and a pension because one job is enough
Higher staffing levels to improve quality care for residents and seniors
Any government that puts an extra dime into the pockets of for-profit long-term care corporations—like Chartwell, Revera, Extendicare, and Sienna—instead of the workers who provide hands on care to our families, can expect to have SEIU Healthcare on the other side of that fight.
We look forward to reviewing the details.
SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. www.seiuhealthcare.ca
SOURCE SEIU Healthcare
Local Production of Helmet-Based Technology can Increase Self-Sufficiency amid COVID-19 Triggered Ventilator ShortageAs the world continues to battle the pandemic, ventilator shortage has become one of the biggest challenges for the frontline healthcare professionals. Local manufacture of helmet-based ventilators could provide a timely solution, enabling countries to quickly re-supply their home market and strengthen the COVID-19 response effort.April 24th, 2020. Acute ventilator shortage is one of the major problems crippling healthcare systems around the world, as they are essential for treating the critically ill patients with respiratory distress caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Limited production capacity and disturbed global supply chains cannot keep up with the constantly increasing demand.Helmet-based ventilators (HBV) can alleviate the problem, as every country has the capability to manufacture them locally: this would enable the countries to re-supply the in-country hospitals and other treatment centers with the necessary equipment.The world isracing to build more ventilators, however, scaling production and distribution has become difficult. Around75 % of companies have reported supply chain disruptions related to transportation and other restrictions enforced due to the pandemic, and the number of affected businesses is predicted to grow even more over the next few weeks. With the global logisticsupended, relying only on outside support can place a country at high-risk, compromising the effectiveness of its COVID-19 response effort.Due to the severity of the situation, some countries have already taken the initiative to better prepare to withstand the ventilator shortage. In an attempt to mitigate the problem, researchers in Australia have developed a way tosplit a single ventilator for two patients. Although scientists have successfully tested the idea in a simulated setting, experts warn that this method should be used only as a last-resort for a number of reasons: difference in air supply needed for each patient, irregular flow of pressurized air and cross-patient contamination.Helmet-based ventilator, a non-invasive technology, used for patients who have respiratory distress as a complication of the COVID-19 virus, could mitigate the severity of the problem without exposing patients to additional threats. Due to itsingenious design, helmets can be manufactured locally with relatively low costs, bypassing the complex production processes. This, in turn, would enable countries to become more self-sufficient in terms of equipping their local hospitals with a credible solution for treating patients and alleviate the scarcity of ventilators. People are known to make the “bubble helmet” even at home, documenting the process and sharing their insights in the “NIV Helmet Manufacturing Project to Combat COVID-19” group. According to Aurika Savickaite, the team leader of the HBV initiative, to most countries it should not present a challenge, as their production does not require to be highly tech-savvy and uses easily obtainable parts.“The simplistic design enables to make the helmet with limited resources and at-home conditions – it all comes down to creativity,” said Aurika Savickaitė, RN, MSN, who was involved in the successful testing of the helmet ventilation in the ICU at the University of Chicago. “Although most of the parts needed can be commonly found in the pulmonology ward, people have been improvising by using Ziploc bags, various 3D printed parts, plastic buckets and other non-typical parts. Plus, around 20 to 30 percent of patients using HBV avoid intubation, thus helping to save up other currently scarce medical supplies, such as sedatives. Overall, local production of helmet-based ventilators can reinforce each country’s pandemic relief effort - the better medical professionals are equipped, the higher chance to reduce the fatality rate."Emerging economies have not escaped the devastating effects of the outbreak, however, they are far more ill-equipped to deal with the spread of the virus than its counterparts in the Western world. In India, experts predict that as nearly as 3 % (or around 40 million) of patients will require ventilators. Indonesia's healthcare system isunder a massive strain and the extreme shortage of ventilators will probably result inmany avoidable deaths. Central African Republic, a country of five million people, is reported to have just three ventilators in total, thus posing “an existential threat” to the continent. Helmet-based ventilator could alleviate the crisis in such countries, as their production does not require complex equipment, yet they can save thousands with their efficient design and low manufacturing costs.The initiative is led by a group of expert volunteers, who launched a website helmetbasedventilation.com as a way to connect healthcare professionals, potential manufacturers and investors with the know-how on the HBV technology. The team hopes to introduce this solution to as many medical professionals as possible, thus relieving some of the strain caused by the ventilator shortage and strengthening the overall COVID-19 response effort.ABOUT HELMET-BASED VENTILATION INITIATIVEHelmet-based ventilation initiative was born as a private endeavor of experts and professionals in the field, most of them based in Chicago. The initiative strives to curate, consolidate and share the most niche and up-to-date information about helmet-based ventilation, while connecting professionals in need of this know-how |www.helmetbasedventilation.comFor media inquiries, please contact:Raminta Lilaitėraminta@blueoceanspr.com
If you would rather not receive future communications from Blue Oceans PR, let us know by clicking here. Blue Oceans PR, T. Ševčenkos g. 16K, Vilnius, 11342 Lithuania
The newsfeed surrounding Coronavirus prevention and cures is getting a bit insane, thanks in no part to President Trump, who suggested recently that we should even try drinking bleach or Lysol to cure Covid-19.[1] The makers of Lysol are now releasing statements urging people to please NOT try this at home, for obvious reasons, not the least of which is potential death.[2]
However, there is a safe drink on the market that people can and should try at home, and while it may not be recommended by our President, it definitely will not kill them. What doctors can all agree on is that boosting our immune systems and getting our daily dose of vitamins is a simple and effective way to promote better health. The problem, however, is that swallowing a bunch of pills every day can be annoying, making us less likely to actually take a daily multivitamin.
Root’d fizzy drinks are the answer to our multivitamin prayers, packed with immunity boosters, super greens and all the other essential nutrients we need every day. With no sugar added, vegetarian and non-GMO ingredients, it’s a habit that we could all get excited about. The Root’d nutritionists spent over 2 years in research to create their health-building drinks that are as simple as adding powder to water and enjoying the natural flavors of acai, pomegranate and lemon ginger. Bonus: it tastes delicious, meaning you’re far more likely to take your vitamins every day with it on hand.
And please, whatever you do, do not drink bleach or Lysol. Root’d is available on Amazon, www.rootd.com and in Sprouts grocery stores nationwide.
SEIU Healthcare secures greater protections for workers and transparency for families from order by Ontario Labour Relations Board
An OLRB Order has reinforced union claims that not enough was being done during the COVID-19 crisis by either the provincial government or long-term care corporations to keep workers and nursing home residents safe and secure
RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 24, 2020 /CNW/ - SEIU Healthcare, the union that represents over 60,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario, brought emergency applications and secured an order from the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) that enforces greater protection for workers and transparency for families at Altamont Care Community owned by Sienna Senior Living, as well as Anson Place and Eatonville Care Centre, for-profit nursing homes owned by Rykka Care Centres.
The OLRB order reinforced the union claims that not enough was being done by either the provincial government or long-term care corporations to keep workers and nursing home residents safe and secure during the COVID-19 crisis.
Among the orders includes:
Sending a Ministry of Labour inspector to physically visit the workplaces and conduct inspections under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act on a weekly basis. The inspector will provide a written report management and the SEIU Staff Representative by email within 24 hours of each visit. The inspector will also attend every meeting of the workplaces' joint-health-and-safety committees.
Informing employees and the Union of (i) resident cases of Covid-19, (ii) resident deaths from Covid-19, (iii) staff cases of Covid-19 and (iv) staff deaths from Covid-19 on a daily basis.
Implementing administrative controls, including cohorting of residents with COVID-19.
Requiring all efforts be made to ensure that each facility is appropriately staffed. Management will be required to provide a staffing report of the number of staff present on each unit on a weekly basis.
Requiring all visitors and staff in the facilities wear appropriate PPE.
These orders acknowledge that not enough was being done by the provincial government or nursing home employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees or their residents.
As of Monday, April 20—the date of our OLRB emergency applications—over sixty-eight (68) residents had died at these three homes and one staff member has tragically passed away. Unfortunately, there still remain hundreds of resident and staff infections.
STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT, SHARLEEN STEWART:
It's a stain on our province that it required filing these applications to have the provincial government and for-profit long-term care corporations do the right thing, especially in a time of crisis when people are getting sick and dying.
Because our case was strong in demanding the provincial government use their authority to replace management at these facilities, the OLRB has now ordered a Ministry of Labour Inspector to physically inspect the facilities on a weekly basis.
Despite management's unwillingness to do so, SEIU Healthcare will share the outbreak and staffing level information we receive with Family Councils so they have clearer transparency into the facilities. This is information that management should already be sharing at all times.
We call on all long-term care companies to do the right thing and demonstrate that our families come before their profits.
SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. www.seiuhealthcare.ca
SOURCE SEIU Healthcare
The Vertex Foundation Announces Donation to Food Banks Canada to Help With COVID-19 Response
TORONTO, April 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced that the Vertex Foundation, a nonprofit charitable foundation, will donate $50,000 CAD to Food Banks Canada to support their COVID-19 Response Fund.
Food banks across Canada have been severely impacted by COVID-19. They are facing increased demand for support, and operational capacity is strained. Many have seen drastic reductions in their food recovery efforts as well as a significant drop in volunteers. Yet, they are working tirelessly to serve those who rely on their services to feel safe and healthy.
This funding will allow food banks to continue to purchase food and other necessities. This donation is part of the Vertex Foundation's $5 million global commitment to support the COVID-19 pandemic response, including doubling its match for employees' charitable donations to eligible organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foundation's funds will help organizations that are providing emergency relief and assistance in the global communities where Vertex employees live and work, with a focus on providing health care and supplies and support for vulnerable populations.
"Thank you to the Vertex Foundation and its employees for supporting their neighbours in need," said Chris Hatch, CEO, Food Banks Canada. "This money will be used to purchase food to keep those living with food insecurity afloat."
"We would like to take this time to recognize and thank all employees and volunteers currently on the front lines working to meet the basic needs of our most vulnerable community members," said Michael Siauw, Country Manager, Vertex Canada. "Vertex employees have volunteered with their local food banks in the past and hold deep appreciation and respect for the impact they have on our communities across Canada."
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 3,000 food banks and community agencies come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who – last year – made 1.1 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Visit http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/ to learn more.
About the Vertex Foundation
The Vertex Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation. It seeks to improve the lives of people with serious diseases and in its communities through education, innovation and health programs. Established in 2017, the Foundation is a long-term source of charitable giving and is part of Vertex Pharmaceuticals' corporate giving commitment.
About Vertex
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has multiple approved medicines that treat cystic fibrosis (CF) — a rare, life- threatening genetic disease — and has several ongoing clinical and research programs in CF. Beyond CF, Vertex has a robust pipeline of investigational small molecule medicines in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including pain, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and APOL1-mediated kidney diseases. In addition, Vertex has a rapidly expanding pipeline of genetic and cell therapies for diseases such as sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London, UK. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Latin America. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 10 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and top five on the 2019 Best Employers for Diversity list by Forbes.
SOURCE Vertex Pharmaceuticals
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President Trump demonstrated his newfound fascination with UV light during his COVID-19 briefing Thursday, multiple times talking about the UV light of the sun being able to cut down COVID-19 pathogen killing time from hours to just a minute.
But all UV light is not created equal and the most beneficial UV light in killing Coronaviruses never makes it to earth due to the Ozone layer.
Allow me to answer some questions and clear the air about how to kill pathogens in the air--and on surfaces. I will address UV light, including the most beneficial 222 nm UV light that I believe may be the solution to ending the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Q&A:
What is the kind of UV light that reaches earth from the sun and how beneficial is it in killing coronaviruses? Answer: UV-A and UV-B reach the earth.
What is the most beneficial UV light that can be used to destroy COVID-19?
Answer: The greatest destruction of viruses by light occurs at the Far-UV wavelength, 222 nanometers. It takes less than seconds to destroy whereas blue 400 nanometers light takes hours.
What testing has been done on the safe use of different spectrums of UV light?
Answer: Testing of Excimer Wave Sterilray™, 222 nanometers, has demonstrated to be safe on skin since 2005 and on eye disinfection since 2017.
Tell us about your brother’s patented invention and your UV light lamps operating on at 222 nanometer frequency? Answer: These lamps operate very differently than fluorescent bulbs. They have no electrodes to reduce their useful life (giving our lights over 30,000 hours) and with no mercury.
And how long do you need to expose coronavirus to the light before it is dead? Answer: Our tests on human coronavirus achieved a 100% kill for samples of 10,000, 1 million and 100 million in seconds. This virus is practically identical to the SARS-1 and SARS-2 virus so the damage mechanisms are very similar.
What kind of UV light is currently being used in hospitals and how is its effectiveness compared to 222 light? Answer: UV-C lamps are used in HVAC systems to keep the condensing coils clean but do not have ‘Single-pass Kill’ capability to destroy pathogens in the air. Excimer Wave Sterilray™ light has demonstrated destruction of 80,000 bacteria in 1 second in air as it passed by the lamp one time. The human coronavirus was over 3 times easier to destroy.
What do you think President Trump should do to get 222 nanometer UV light into hospitals, nursing homes, residential homes and even on commercial airliners and cruise ships? Answer: Humanity is at war with these viruses. Like ramping production of war ships and planes at the beginning of WWII, production of Excimer Wave Sterilray™ lamps will ramp up much faster with financial assistance.
MORE about Excimer Wave Sterilray™” light:
The patented form of UV light is known as “Excimer Wave Sterilray™” light, with a wavelength at 222 nm (nanometers), a form of Far-UV light that has a very short range in biological material, rendering it unable to penetrate the dead-cell layer that is at the surface of our skin. It is also unable to penetrate the human eye, meaning, it can't reach or damage any living cells in our body, but it can penetrate and kill viruses floating in the air, on surfaces, in liquids etc., including coronaviruses that are similar to SARS-2, exploding the protein structure and amino acids destroying the virus.
This technology is superior to conventional germicidal ultraviolet (254nm) light in reducing person-to-person transmission of viruses through the air, by destroying the viruses while they are in the air, without the safety hazard of other forms of UV lights that can cause skin cancer or cataracts.
Researchers at Columbia University have used 222nm lamps technology to prevent the airborne transmission of viruses like the influenza virus.
John Neister’s hope is that President Trump and NIAID Director Anthony Fauci will work to fast-track FDA approval and fund mass production of these Excimer Wave Sterilray™ lamps that can save millions of lives and help people return to a more normal lifestyle, as well mitigate all future pandemics.
Excimer Wave Sterilray™ light has a very short range in biological material, rendering it unable to penetrate the dead-cell layer that is at the surface of our skin. It is also unable to penetrate the human eye, meaning, it can't reach or damage any living cells in our body. All good news, but the even better news is it can still penetrate and kill viruses floating in the air, on surfaces, in liquids etc., including coronaviruses that are similar in seconds!
Patent-holder, inventor/manufacturer, physicist S.Edward Neister, creator of “Excimer Wave Sterilray™” light, with a wavelength at 222 nm (nanometers).
Excimer Wave Sterilray Technology is licensed to Far-UV Sterilray, based in New Hampshire.
Early adopters: Boeing has been bought lamps to develop their no-touch bathrooms and Disney recently implemented the use of the Excimer Wave Sterilray light to disinfect their cameras and electronic equipment.
S. Edward Neister, a Physicist, discovered the pathogen-killing power of the Excimer Wave Sterilray™ wavelength and patented 222nm for air, surface and liquid disinfection in 2005. He later added eye and skin disinfection. He and his brother, John Neister, who left a successful 28 year publishing career, pooled their resources with friends and family contributors and subsequently formed the Company.
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