Coca-Cola PledgesRs. 18 Million for Flood Relief and Dengue Epidemic Support

Lahore, 28^th September, 2011:  The Coca-Cola Export Corporation today announced its programme toprovide relief to flood affected families across Sindh and support for battling dengue outbreak in Punjab.  Coca-Cola has pledged Rs. 18 million towards these humanitarian causes, providing assistance to those hit by the dual disasters devastating vast areas of Pakistan over the last two months.  By certain estimates, monsoon rains have so far affected over 8 million people, nearly 1.4 million homes have been destroyed and 72 per cent of crops have been lost in the worst affected areas.  Meanwhile the dengue outbreak has already infected thousands ofpeople and continues to grow. 

Partnering with NGOs like SAHARA and JSCD, Coca-Cola will provide life-saving assistance to thousands affected by the floods.  Provisions of emergency shelter, water and staple food items will offer immediate relief and protection to those forced from their land.

In the Punjab, the number of dengue patients has crossed 10,000 and the numbers keep on increasingevery day.  This is a significant increase over previous years, and confirmed reports put the death toll at over a dozen in the province.As hospitals struggle to deal with the influx of patients, admin rooms of many hospitals in Lahore have been converted into wards to cater to the surging number of patients.  Coca-Cola will help alleviate this pressure by providing government hospitals with CBC blood test machines and mosquito nets, and launch a concurrent awareness campaign to help try and stem the spread of the disease.

Rizwan U. Khan, General Manager, Pakistan & Afghanistan, The Coca-Cola Export Corporation said, “During this time of emergency and extreme hardship, we feel that there should be no limit to the support we offer to those suffering.  Coca-Cola Pakistan’s response to these disasters is a token of our dedication to communities not only as a business, but as citizens committed to helping the communities we serve.”

Today, Coca-Cola stands amongst one of the country’s most well reputed companies. Its CSR efforts are widely acclaimed and in 2010, the Company was amongst the first to announce Rs. 85million donation for flood relief & rehabilitation efforts in all 5 flood-hit districts of Pakistan.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion-dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, PowerAde, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of nearly 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.