MGM has pledged $1m to help employees affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
MGM Resorts International has announced several initiatives to help support people in the US who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, including a $1m emergency fund for MGM employees.
This news comes after the American Gaming Association (AGA) called for the federal government to provide support to those who work in the US gambling industry and all commercial casinos in the country closed their doors.
The Emergency Relief Fund
In the announcement that was made earlier this week, MGM said it has would put a $1m crisis and disaster relief pledge into an employee emergency grant fund.
The $1m pledge will be used to assist MGM employees impacted by the coronavirus pandemic including full-time employees, on-call staff and those who are facing lay0offs.
Bill Hornbuckle, Acting CEO and President of MGM Resorts International said: “As we confront extraordinary events and an unprecedented global pandemic crisis, we know that this is an extremely challenging and uncertain time for many of our employees, their families, friends and neighbors and we are committed to help those in need.
“We have done a number of things to help our colleagues, including significantly expanding eligibility coverage for the MGM Employee Emergency Grant Fund. MGM Resorts International is donating $1 million towards disaster relief to offer additional support to employees impacted by the crisis and who may be experiencing hardships.”
The initiatives
Aside from the $1m pledge to its staff, MGM will offer help to the wider US population through several new initiatives. Of these new initiatives, the most notable is the donation of 480,000 pounds of food, the equivalent to 400,000 meals, in communities where the company operates.
MGM’s food donation project will cover several areas across the US including, Las Vegas, Nevada; Oxon Hill, Maryland; Biloxi and Tunica in Mississippi; Northfield, Ohio; Yonkers, New York; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Springfield, Massachusetts and Detroit, Michigan.
Jyoti Chopra, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Sustainability Officer for MGM, said: “In battling the current global crisis, at MGM Resorts we intend to embrace humanity, exemplify inclusion and exhibit compassion. Our commitment to our employees and the communities in which we operate, conduct business and serve our customers, remains steadfast.”
