The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt worldwide. Communities, businesses, and individuals have had to make difficult decisions to stay safe and healthy. Though some may feel as if there is little hope in sight, philanthropist Harold Matzner has made it his mission to support those most vulnerable during this trying time.
Harold Matzner has long been a champion of philanthropy in Palm Springs and beyond, donating millions of dollars throughout his life to causes ranging from education reform to healthcare advances. His latest mission is to ensure that no one goes without basic necessities during this global crisis. He has dedicated himself to finding ways to provide food, shelter and other resources to people who are unable to access them due to economic hardship or health risks posed by the virus.
Providing resources to those in need
In response to the pandemic, Matzner launched an initiative called “Matzner Cares” to identify local organisations that are helping those affected by COVID-19. The programme provides grants to organisations providing essential services, such as delivering food to the elderly or donating medical supplies to hospitals. Since its launch earlier this year, Matzner Cares has distributed more than $2 million to 50 different non-profit organisations in Riverside County alone.
Supporting local businesses
Matzner also understands the impact small businesses have on communities and believes they should not be forgotten during this difficult time. To show his appreciation, he has launched another programme called “Shop Local First”, which gives shoppers the opportunity to purchase gift cards from local establishments so that they can continue to support these businesses even when their doors are closed due to restrictions imposed by health authorities. This programme not only encourages shoppers to keep their favourite businesses alive but also helps to keep their employees working with a steady paycheck during uncertain times.
Promoting mental wellbeing
In addition to the physical safety measures put in place as a result of the pandemic, mental health issues have become increasingly common among both adults and children, as many struggle with feelings of isolation or worry about loved ones being exposed during these uncertain times. To help address these concerns, Matzner donated $150,000 to establish a mental health hotline in Riverside County, providing residents with free access to professional counselling whenever they need it – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Funding educational initiatives
Educational institutions were some of the first places affected by the quarantine orders, as classrooms were closed overnight and students and teachers scrambled to find solutions for the future. Early identification of the problem was crucial to getting children back on track with their learning while minimising disruption to families already struggling financially due to job losses or reduced working hours caused by the global lockdown. Fortunately, thanks to donations from generous individuals like Harold Matzener, education programmes quickly adapted by moving classes to digital platforms, allowing students from all backgrounds to access quality education regardless of their current circumstances.
Giving back on a global scale
Harold Matzener’s commitment to helping others does not stop at our borders. His contributions extend beyond Palm Springs to countries such as Mexico, where he recently donated more than 1 million masks, along with respirators, gloves, gowns, disinfectants and thermometers to help medical professionals care for patients affected by the coronavirus. These actions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to helping those in need wherever they are – no matter how far away or what languages they speak.
Bottom line
While these may seem like dark times, people like Harold Matzener are proving that we can still find ways to come together and support each other, even in extreme circumstances. From providing basic needs here at home to global relief efforts abroad, initiatives like Matzer Cares show how much good can be achieved when people come together for a common cause. It is through him & people like him that we will eventually see the light shining brighter at the end of the tunnel.
