Altria will donate USD 1 million to help immediate local coronavirus relief efforts in Richmond, Virginia, according to a company press release.

Half of the donation will go towards the Community Foundation of Greater Richmond’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which assists local organisations in supporting the physical and emotional needs of Central Virginia’s most vulnerable residents. Altria will also be working with its management teams in areas such as Nashville, Tennessee, where large amounts of its manufacturing take place, to prioritise community needs and investments. Part of the donation will also include a contribution to the American Red Cross.
Billy Gifford, Altria’s Vice Chairman and CFO, stated, “This is an unprecedented time, and it’s critical that businesses step up to meet the challenges in the communities where we live and work.” Jennifer Hunter, Senior Vice President, Corporate Citizenship, Altria Client Services, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Caring for each other and doing what’s right is core to our company. Circumstances are changing quickly, and we will respond to our communities’ needs accordingly.”
According to the press release, Altria will continue to closely monitor the pandemic and is working to ensure that its employees, consumers and communities are protected from the virus. The company will continue to implement CDC guidelines and understands the importance of acting collectively and with urgency in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.