by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – A global beverage firm has pledged over US$1 million (R16,79 million) to cushion thousands of people displaced from their homes by the Cyclone Idai in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The Coca-Cola Company, its local bottling partners and Coca-Cola Foundation are providing disaster relief assistance to the affected communities.
The funds will go toward emergency food and shelter for survivors, through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Save the Children.
According to the United Nations (UN), cyclone Idai might be one of the worst weather-related disasters to hit the Southern Hemisphere.
“We are concerned about the communities impacted by Cyclone Idai, and we are using our resources to support immediate relief and recovery efforts,” said Helen Smith Price, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation.
Additionally, the company and its local bottling partners – Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (Mozambique), Delta Corporation (Zimbabwe), Mutare Bottling Company (Zimbabwe), Schweppes Zimbabwe and Castel Malawi Limited, have made in-kind donations totalling over $200 000 (R3.35 million).
These include bottles of water, logistic support and donations from employees in the region.
The Coca-Cola system has operated in the region for over 80 years.
Cyclone Idai struck in 2019, leaving over 1 300 people dead.
– CAJ News