The Coronavirus may be a worldwide pandemic, but the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) knows that sometimes our money and effort is most effective when we act locally. That’s why NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, has made donations totaling $25,000 to three virus-fighting groups in their hometown. The funds will assist with the purchase of personal protection equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, gowns, gloves and other indispensables.
This isn’t the first salvo Second Amendment supporters have fired at the COVID-19 threat … nor will it be the last. The virus may be too small to center in our crosshair, but the firearms industry and those of us who love the Second Amendment are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the nation’s first responders in battling the pandemic. Here’s where the money is going.
NSSF has sent $10,000 to Newtown, Connecticut’s Emergency Management Office to help pay for PPEs for Newtown’s first responders—the Volunteer Ambulance Association, Newtown Police Department and the town’s five fire departments.
An additional $10K is on its way to Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, which provides crucial in-home healthcare services to residents in Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, New Fairfield, Redding, Ridgefield and Southbury.
Additionally, NSSF will support Danbury Regional Hospice with a $5,000 donation and draw attention to the group’s ongoing fundraiser for PPEs at RegionalHospiceCT.org.
“We have unbounded appreciation for the brave frontline responders supporting residents in need and keeping our community safe,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “As a concerned member of the community, NSSF wants these organizations and area residents to know that we stand with them during this unprecedented, challenging time. Assisting one another, however possible, will help us prevail against the serious health threats posed by the coronavirus.”
It is our hope that NSSF’s donations will help ease the burdens of these organizations in their fight against this insidious disease,” continued Bartozzi. “Because we’re all in this together, we encourage those who can to support funding for PPEs for these and other organizations in this fight against COVID-19.”
NSSF represents more than 9,000 companies engaged in all segments of the firearms and shooting sports industry, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, ranges, hunting and conservation groups and outdoor media.
