Disaster Relief & Recovery

Our system is in a unique position to provide assistance during and after natural disasters. Because we have such a large distribution network, we can deliver necessities to some communities that are not easily accessible. We feel fortunate to be able to help those in dire need, from providing bottled water to using our delivery vehicles for aid distribution and associate volunteerism.

In China, Coca-Cola has donated and pledged $2.8 million in cash and in-kind donations to the victims of the devastating 2008 earthquake in Sichuan. In the early hours following the earthquake, our operations started providing aid relief, such as clean drinking water and financial support, to the victims and rescue workers. During the three days of national mourning, we stopped all advertisement in China, including television commercials.

Disaster preparedness can be just as important as disaster relief. In Thailand, we have a partnership with the Thai Red Cross Society that involves an intensive training program on first aid and disaster-relief basics, conducted by the Red Cross. Approximately 500 Coca-Cola system associates across the country have participated and are prepared for a decentralized rapid-response deployment in emergencies.

To support the disaster relief efforts in Myanmar, The Coca-Cola Foundation Thailand worked with Thai humanitarian and government organizations to provide 240,000 bottles of 600-mL Namthip bottled water to the victims of Cyclone Nargis, which tore through southern Myanmar in May 2008. Half of the bottles were donated to the Thai Red Cross Society as part of the Foundations existing "Namthip gives to Red Cross" partnership. We donated another 120,000 bottles of Namthip water to Thailands Ministry of Public Health, which collected donations of drinking water and canned food from the Thai public to be transported to Myanmar. Even though we do not have any business operations in Myanmar, the Coca-Cola system has actively supported the ongoing disaster relief efforts in the country by working with Thai humanitarian and government organizations.

In 2007, flooding swept two states in Mexico, leaving residents without shelter, food, water and clothing. Our system helped with donations and distribution of 1.5 million liters of bottled water and beverages; medicine and basic supplies; tents for temporary shelter; and the use of our distribution center for delivery of these much-needed supplies.

And, villages in Aceh, Indonesia, are still suffering from the effects of the 2004 tsunami. With partners, we helped enable long-term provision of a water supply and public sanitation to some of the still-affected areas. This program is helping an estimated 7,000 villagers by providing water and promoting long-term hygiene and sanitation awareness. Learn more about our post-tsunami partnership with UN Foundation.