While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the world beyond measure, it has also showcased our collective resilience in the face of tragedy. During this human health crisis, and the current fight for racial justice, Seventh Generation remains committed to serving the vulnerable and marginalized communities often hit first and hardest.
Over the past few months, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our broader Seventh Generation community has access to the essential products you all depend on to care for your home and family. But we knew that alone wasn’t good enough. As a company founded on standing up for the health of this and future generations to come, we knew we needed to get our products to those needing them most.
We’re already seeing the positive impacts from this much-needed support, and we’re excited to introduce you to some of the amazing partners and communities involved.
Indigenous Communities
The Navajo Nation has been particularly hard hit by COVID-19, experiencing the highest levels of infection in the country[1]. Supporting their recovery and resilience is a top priority for Seventh Generation. According to elders within the community, the current pandemic has exposed how vulnerable many Indigenous communities [2] are, as well as highlighted needs for improved medical infrastructure, as well as consistent access to basic services such as running water, electricity, and housing.
Native-led nonprofits the NB3 Foundation and Utah Dine Bikeyah, both dedicated to improving the health of vulnerable Indigenous peoples, helped distribute truckloads of Seventh Generation paper products, diapers, dish liquid, laundry detergent, period care, and disinfectants in areas where products were in short supply. We’re grateful for their efforts and for sharing the positive impacts already being felt in Native communities. Impacts, as one member expressed, “that will ripple through the next generations.”
Essential Frontline and Healthcare Workers
Every day during the pandemic, essential frontline and healthcare workers had to risk their own health and safety as they did their job to support others during the pandemic. Whether keeping essential stores and services in our communities open, or caring for those who were sick, they showed us what it means to be strong and selfless in the face of crisis.
Since 2002, Victoria Emergency Associates has provided emergency medical services throughout the state of Texas, partnering with both urban and rural hospitals to help those in need. Their EMS and Mobile Health Workers distributed Seventh Generation Home and Personal Care products to the essential workers who most needed them, positively impacting the health and wellbeing of patients and staff.
Also based in Texas, Legacy Community Health provides services and programs that are open to all, regardless of the ability to pay, without judgement or exception. Giving their patients the best care possible depends on maintaining clean facilities. Donations of Seventh Generation disinfectant cleaners and wipes helped these essential workers keep their facilities hygienic so they could focus on patient health.
In addition to product donations, Seventh Generation’s Foundation Board directed a $200K grant to The NDN COVID-19 Response Project, whose mission is to provide fast relief to underserved communities around the country. Their commitment to quick distribution of resources made a major difference at a time when help simply couldn’t wait. The grant was the largest in the foundation’s history and enabled quick distribution of financial resources to frontline organizations and tribes.
Donations of this kind wouldn’t be possible without the continued support from our community as we’ve grown from a small mail-order company 30 years ago to what we are today. We stand with you all in service of this generation and in future generations to come.