The mystery donor behind the $310,000 bookshop donation has been revealed as Amazon. The donation was made to a charity that supports independent booksellers across the UK and Ireland. Dan Hicks, CEO of The Book Trade Charity revealed the company’s massive donation on Thursday. Reportedly, Amazon wanted to keep the donation “low key” by calling the charity’s organizers directly rather than donating via the charity’s fundraising page.
image via shopwaterside.com
This donation comes after many booksellers have appealed for funds to protect the industry through the coronavirus pandemic. A crowdfund was set up to support The Book Trade Charity, which gives money to companies in the publishing, bookselling, and printing businesses. Amazon has faced scrutiny in the past for its potential role in disrupting the bookselling industry; nevertheless, Hicks and The Book Trade Charity welcomed the donation thankfully.