Autoglass has donated 2,000 protective masks to six care homes and hospices to protect frontline staff during the coronavirus crisis.

The personal protective equipment (PPE) donation forms part of the ongoing partnership between Autoglass and Together for Short Lives, the charity for seriously ill children and the UK’s 54 children’s hospices.

Autoglass has been supporting Together for Short Lives since 2008 and has raised more than £550,000 for the charity in that time.

Together for Short Lives supports two of the six hospices which will receive the donation.

Andy Fletcher, CEO for Together for Short Lives, said: “Huge thanks to our wonderful partner Autoglass for their great work supporting key workers and lifeline children’s hospices during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s an especially tough time for families caring for seriously ill and vulnerable children right now, who are feeling isolated, frightened and alone.

“They need the support of their local children’s hospice more than ever, and hospices are finding new ways to connect and support families at this terrible time, as well as taking the pressure of their colleagues in the NHS.

“By donating essential PPE to hospices and care homes, you’ll be helping keyworkers on the frontline to deliver their excellent care for children safely.”

The masks, which are FFP2 and suitable for medical use, will be given to care homes and hospices local to the head office sites of Autoglass in Leicestershire and Bedfordshire, including:

  • Rainbow’s Children’s Hospice, Leicestershire
  • Keech Hospice, Luton
  • Coalville Nursing Home, Coalville
  • The Rowans Care Home, Leicestershire
  • Kirby Grange Residential Care, Leicestershire
  • Loros Hospice, Leicestershire

Taxiarchis Konstantopoulos, managing director of Autoglass, said: “We had a number of masks spare and we felt it was only right to give them to those who need them most.

“We will continue to look for ways we can safely support our local communities across the country during this troubling time.”

Autoglass is also part of the Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation, run by parent company Belron, and has agreed to support more than 20 Covid-19 related UK charities.

So far, the foundation has donated £350,000 to charities worldwide suffering due to the pandemic; all charities have been nominated by employees.

The business is currently operating a limited service, which is contactless and complies with social distancing.

Its windscreen replacement service is currently only available to identified key workers providing critical services in the COVID-19 pandemic response, and those who need their vehicle for essential travel that is permitted by the UK Government. 

Emergency products – side and rear windows – are available as usual to ensure vehicles that are exposed to the elements and theft can be secured. Windscreen chip repairs cannot be completed at this time, but customers can contact Autoglass who will be in touch to schedule the work when it is appropriate and safe to do so.  

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