There has never been a better time to give

If you donate, we match 100% of your gift

Dear Reader,

First and foremost, I hope that this article finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

We're in the midst of an unprecedented crisis that is affecting all our lives in ways we could never have predicted. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is truly global and, if we are to see an end to it, our response must be global too.

That’s why in addition to the work we're supporting domestically in our local communities, we're also launching the UBS Optimus Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund – and I hope you'll support it.

Though these are uncertain times for us all, some of us are fortunate to live in a country where social distancing – while uncomfortable – is possible and our health and sanitation infrastructure is set up to save many lives. This is sadly not the case in many developing countries and when the virus does take hold there – and we see this is already beginning with cases reported in more than 50 African countries – the impact could be catastrophic. (Worldometer, 2020). This new wave of infection and loss of life will have lasting implications for us all.

But there is hope. There is a great deal of hope, which is built on first-hand, on-the-ground experience. The UBS Optimus Foundation – and people like you – reacted quickly during the Ebola outbreak, and that response helped turn the tide, saving thousands of lives.

Today, you can help do the same for the coronavirus outbreak. With a gift to the UBS Optimus Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund, you could help save 20 million lives in low and middle-income countries.

This is not a figure pulled from the air. Experts project almost 20 million people in low- and middle-income countries could die from the virus. (Imperial College, 2020). Your donation to the UBS Optimus Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund can help save these lives. UBS believes in this so strongly that it will match 100% of all gifts to the Fund*.

This means a gift from you of <USD10,000> for example, would contribute <USD20,000> to the Fund.

You can learn more about our response on ubs.com/optimus, but in a nutshell – our aim is to:

• prevent the spread of the virus through education on symptoms, social distances and hygiene;
• detect cases by supporting health workers to identify symptoms and facilitate testing; and
• respond by ramping up emergency treatment while making sure routine health services continue to function.

Prevent. Detect. Respond. A simple strategy, but one that’s hard to implement, which is why we already have ties with global organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières, as well as local, frontline organizations like Last Mile Health in Liberia.

This combination of global and local response is what we need to turn the tide. But this combination requires a crucial third party: people like you, who possess the foresight and generosity to help make it possible.

If you live in Switzerland, you don't necessarily need to be a UBS Client - you can simply donate using our online donation tool or contact your UBS Client Advisor. People outside Switzerland can only donate if they bank with UBS - please contact your UBS Client or Financial Advisor, or simply send us an email to make your gift. Your Advisor can also answer questions about the Fund, and provide details of a webinar scheduled for mid-April, which will give you greater insight into our response.

I believe this is a time for us all to pull together and help in any way we can. If you do feel inspired to support the Fund, or would like to find out more, please get in touch.

With thanks and warm wishes,

Phyllis Costanza

Head UBS in Society and CEO UBS Optimus Foundation

Send us an email choosing your local UBS Optimus Foundation representative office

• Germany: [email protected]
• Hong Kong SAR: [email protected]
• Singapore: [email protected]
• Switzerland: [email protected]
• United Kingdom: [email protected]
• United States: [email protected]

*All donations to the Fund will be matched 100% by UBS, up to a total of USD 5 million.

Sources:

The Global Impact of COVID-19 and Strategies for Mitigation and Suppression, 26 March 2020 Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team, March 2020

Worldometer: Countries where COVID-19 has spread. Accessed 3 April at: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/countries-where-coronavirus-has-spread/

Disclaimer:

The UBS Optimus Foundation is a grant-making foundation that offers UBS clients a platform to use their wealth to drive positive social and environmental change. The Foundation selects programs that improve children’s health, education and protection, ones that have the potential to be transformative, scalable and sustainable as well as programs tackling environmental and climate issues.

This information is for informational and educational purposes only and has no regard to the specific objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific recipient. It is not intended as a promotion of any UBS services nor an offer or a solicitation of an offer to sell or buy any product or other specific service. UBS Optimus Foundation does not provide investment, legal or tax advice. It strongly recommends to all persons considering the information herein to obtain appropriate independent legal, tax and other professional advice.

In the U.S., Wealth Management services are provided by UBS Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of UBS AG. In providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers both investment advisory and brokerage services, which are separate and distinct and differ in material ways. For information, including the different laws and contracts that govern, visit ubs.com/workingwithus.

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