Regional PPE ‘Million Mask Giveaway’ Benefits Coachella Valley Small Businesses
The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) is providing Coachella Valley small businesses with more than $1 million in personal protective equipment (PPE). The cost free PPE will go to small businesses in need all throughout the Coachella Valley. The program, called CVEP’s “Million Mask Giveaway,” is made possible by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). CVEP is partnering with the nine cities of the Coachella Valley to assist in the distribution of 1,440,000 face masks, 96,000 16.9 oz bottles of hand sanitizers, and 40,400 face shields to eligible Coachella Valley small businesses.
“As part of the effort to keep businesses operating – and operating safely – this will be a significant contribution to our local business base. For small businesses, the cost of masks and sanitizers adds up quickly,” said Joe Wallace, CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of CVEP. “This initiative means businesses do not have to worry about spending their own money on PPE. By partnering with all nine cities, it demonstrates what we can do when we work together as a region.”
Cities will each be given a supply of PPE, based on the number and type of businesses in their city. Once each city receives its supply from CVEP, PPE distribution will be coordinated by each city, and is expected to be complete by the end of December. The giveaway is only available while supplies last.
“Partnerships with the private sector have been invaluable as we continue to respond to the pandemic and the needs of our essential workers. Together with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development – Office of the Small Business Advocate, Cal OES is happy to support small businesses with a supply of much needed PPE, keeping these essential workers healthy ” said Abby Browning, Chief, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services – Office of Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Coordination.
According to Ms. Browning, CVEP is one of only three organizations statewide that reached out directly to OES for the PPE. CVEP is making the PPE available to local businesses operating legally, with employees unable to telecommute/work from home.
Details of where Coachella Valley and Hi-Desert small businesses can pick up their PPE supply will be posted at each city’s link below as soon as the information is available. Please check back for updates, as the PPE pick-up information for more cities are added.
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What People Are Saying:
“Thank you for the great news! Our businesses are in desperate need of any assistance possible and these items will definitely help them.”
“Good job!”
“Thank you very much for the distribution of PPE. Please thank Joe Wallace and all recipients responsible in obtaining this grant.”
“That’s awesome! Thank you, CVEP!”
“Thank you very much…this is a great way to help support our businesses…”
“Our Desert Doctors, Inc. Board of Directors would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to CVEP for your incredible donation of essential PPE’s to our members. As we begin distributing the items among our members this week, we will be sure to acknowledge your generosity to the group! We look forward to a New Year of health and healing!”
“Great news under the circumstances. Our local businesses and in Home Childcare Facilities have taken blow after blow during the pandemic. Access to additional PPE will be extremely needed. This will also assist the city in elevating some of the burden. Thank you!!!”
“Thank you CVEP… to the millionth power! The CVEP team has my sincerest appreciation for the many things CVEP does day-in and day-out to promote the economy and support businesses in the Coachella Valley. During these unusual times, your decision to partner with the Rancho Mirage Chamber and provide PPE products? Well, it’s a game changer. Kudos to you and your team! And a BIG thank you!”
“……we greatly appreciate the support…”
“We really appreciate the great support you guys at CVEP provide and we will look forward to getting this equipment distributed so that we can help make a difference in our region’s health and safety.”
“Thank you so much for all your effort and contribution of PPE equipment for our first responders and community. Helping keep our residents safe is our top priority. Be safe.”
“We can’t tell you how much we appreciate the masks and sanitizer. We’re a new business here in the valley and this gift is really great to have to give to our customers if they need it…Our most sincere thanks!”
“Thank you for the opportunity and consideration.”
“Thanks again CVEP for your hard work during these tough times!”
“Great news!”
