New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Matt Murphy
Sate House News Service
Uber will be providing 1,000 free meals and 5,000 free rides to employees of Boston Medical Center for Mother’s Day, and has donated $25,000 in ride credits to Jane Doe Inc. to be used to help individuals seeking help for sexual assault and domestic violence at more than 60 organizations around the state.
The gestures by Uber were announced Thursday as part of the ride-hailing company’s outreach to frontline workers and other customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Uber has committed during the pandemic to provide 10 million free rides and meals to health care workers, seniors and people in need.
“This is a time of great risk for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and we hope these services will provide access to safe transportation during this crisis,” said Alix Anfang, public affairs manager for Uber.
The support for BMC workers is the second time Uber has partnered with the hospital to support health care workers. In late March as part of a partnership with 1199 SEIU, Uber offered 25,000 meals and discounted rides to work for hospital employees, including those at BMC. It was part of a broader five-state outreach program. This time the hospital will receive promotional codes from Uber for the free meals and rides donated for Mother’s Day to be shared among staff.
“The healthcare workers at BMC – and across Massachusetts – are serving on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Josh Gold, Uber policy director. “Many mothers at BMC will be away from their families and still more won’t be able to visit with their moms. This is a small token to support all the employees at BMC, as well as local restaurants, and hopefully help them enjoy their day just a little more.”
