Coca-Cola and CARE Bangladesh support over 50,000 people with a month’s food ration
The relief distribution programme began on May 20 and will continue till May 23 to cover major Covid-19 outbreak hotspots in the country
Coca-Cola Bangladesh has partnered with CARE Bangladesh to support over 50,000 people from disadvantaged communities with a month's food ration to help them tide over the current Covid-19 hardships.
This distribution is a part of Coca-Cola's commitment of Tk11.5 crore to support the government's ongoing efforts against Covid-19.
The four-day relief distribution programme will continue till May 23 to cover major Covid-19 outbreak hotspots in the country, including Dhaka, Gazipur, Mymensingh and Cumilla.
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The relief programme began in Dhaka on May 20, where 1,000 families have been supported. Households were provided with a month's food packages, "dignity kits" for women and adolescent girls along with personal hygiene material such as facial masks, soaps, and detergent, to meet their immediate needs and help them get through the most difficult times.
The first day's distribution programme was graced by Elias Uddin Mollah, member of parliament from Dhaka 16 constituency. Taijul Islam Chowdhury Bappi, councilor of ward 6, Dhaka North City Corporation was also present as special guest.
"During this time of pandemic, one act of kindness sparks off another act of generosity. I encourage all other entities to come forward and join hands in this humanitarian war against Covid-19," Elias Uddin Mollah said.
CARE Bangladesh Deputy Country Director – programme Prabodh Devkota said: "I appreciate the generous support from Coca Cola and our local partner Social and Economic Enhancement programmem (SEEP) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) colleagues, team and volunteers that made this possible.
"Currently, CARE Bangladesh is mobilizing our response efforts in more than 27 districts in coordination with our partners in different districts. We have been able to reach out to 1,137,162 people as of April. Our efforts are continuing and we are very closely collaborating with the government efforts," he added.
"Covid-19 has impacted the world including Bangladesh in an unprecedented manner. We are committed to helping our communities in Bangladesh and making a difference wherever and however we can," Coca-Cola Bangladesh Managing Director Ajay Bathija said.
As part of the relief programme, Coca-Cola Bangladesh will also ensure immediate support to the country's health infrastructure, including contribution towards personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N-95 face masks, hand sanitizers, disposable gloves and other support for front line doctors and nurses who are tending to Covid-19 patients.
The beverage company is also committed to catering to the hydration needs of doctors, nurses, law enforcers, and other front line workers through beverage distribution.
