New Delhi, 7th July 2020: Coca-Cola in India has partnered with Save the Children to address the food security and shelter needs of affected victims of Cyclone Amphan. The programme was rolled out on Tuesday in Kolkata in the presence of popular cricketer and president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India India, Sourav Ganguly.
With over 1 lakh households displaced and 6 lakh people evacuated, this initiative will focus on aiding safe and hygienic drinking water, food security, shelter needs and livelihood in East Medinipur, Kolkata and South 24 Paraganas, said the statement. Through provision of dry ration, shelter kits, solar lamps, masks and hygiene material, the programme will meet the needs of 4425 households, benefiting 25,000 plus people in affected communities.
Speaking at the eventSourav Ganguly, said, "The devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan has left the people of West Bengal in urgent need of relief assistance. On behalf of my home state, I extend my gratitude to Coca-Cola and Save the Children for their collaborative initiative of food security and shelter assistance to flood affected communities in the region."
Commenting on the initiative, Ishteyaque Amjad, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Coca-Cola India and South West Asiasaid, "In partnership with Save the Children we are trying to support the communities impacted by Cyclone and are hopeful that our efforts would provide respite by meeting the immediate needs of the flood victims, as well as provide a foundation and direction for building and improving community resilience."
The programme involves distribution of food baskets to the migrants, daily wage laborers and construction workers, containing a mixture of dry food ration necessary to provide two whole meals for a family of 5 for 30 days. These baskets are customized to cover the calorific requirements and will include items such as wheat, pulses, cooking oil, salt, sugar, tea, flat rice, sattu, potatoes and onions.
Additionally, Emergency Shelter Kits will also be provided containing tarpaulin sheets, floor mats, cotton blankets and a solar lantern (particularly for the safety of the villagers living in the forested areas along with the women and girls) to ensure the shelter requirements of displaced communities. Additionally, due consideration has been given to meet nutritional, shelter and safety requirements of women and girls, to help them deal better with these challenging times. Not least, Coca-Cola and Save the Children have also acknowledged the COVID-19 compliance guidelines and are committed to following safe and respectful distribution practices.
Adding further, Anindit Roy Chowdhury, Director, Programmes & Policy Impact, Save the Children said, "The needs of children are immense and it’s only when large organizations such as Coca-Cola step forward to help with these needs, they can be addressed speedily and thoughtfully."
Save the Children is a global non-profit organisation which was founded in the year 1919. As of December 2019, it works in 18 states of India.
The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900 beverage choices.
