Science-based Technology Company 3M has joined with not-for-profit organisation United Way (UW) Worldwide to support relief projects across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) that are helping the most vulnerable people in society impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Ghana is one of twelve countries across EMEA receiving a share of a 3M grant totalling $1,875,000, which is being directed to projects supporting nutrition, education and COVID-19 awareness, according to the most pressing local needs and country status of the pandemic.

United Way Ghana, the local UW organisation, is working with 3M Sub-Sahara Africa to implement a USD 198,700 Covid-19 relief programme to support an educational reading programme run in partnership with the BASICS International, Achievers Ghana, Muslim Family Counselling Services, and Mother of All Nations Foundation. Other projects to benefit from the grant include a community water and sanitation programme; a scheme to provide food supplies run in partnership with Food for All Africa and Northern Bazaar; PPEs and training where volunteers teach families how to make their own face masks.

“It’s important that 3M holds true to its core values during this pandemic by supporting our communities and improving lives” said Robert Nichols, Managing Director of 3M Middle East Africa. “The projects with United Way form part of a $20 million commitment made by 3M at a corporate level to support COVID-19 relief projects globally, and we’re grateful that some of this funding is helping vulnerable communities in Ghana to receive support during these exceptional times”.

United Way Worldwide has been helping communities in need for more than 130 years, but the scale of the COVID-19 crisis and its far-reaching impact on people’s health, social mobility, income and job security – factors that are essential to wellbeing - has posed new challenges.

“We’re pleased to see how 3M is stepping up in helping the people in the Ghanaian communities who have been impacted by the pandemic,” Janet Butler, Vice President, Africa Region. “Together, we can make a real difference to people’s quality of life as we navigate through the coronavirus pandemic”.

About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers all around the world.

About United Way
United Way Worldwide is a privately funded, not-for-profit organisation based in the US with a network spanning more than 40 countries and territories across six continents. It serves 61 million people across the globe, supported by 2.9 million volunteers and 8.3 million donors.

United Way Ghana is devoted to making real social impact within local communities in three focus areas: education, health and income generation – the key building blocks for a good quality of life in a thriving community. We envision a society where every person is empowered to lead an informed, healthy and productive life.
Developing cross-sector collaborations with local communities, business organizations, philanthropists, government and volunteers help us deliver lasting impact and social change in disadvantaged Ghanaian communities. We believe that through our collaborative work and commitment, we can ensure every individual is able to live a life of dignity.