"As COVID-19 continues to impact communities in Thailand and around the world, The Coca-Cola Foundation would like to support charities working to stop the spread of the virus," said Nuntivat Thamhatai, a representative, Director and Secretary-General of The Coca-Cola Foundation Thailand. "The Foundation is providing US$400,000 (more than 12 million baht) to the World Vision Foundation of Thailand and the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation Thailand (SOS) as they work with their networks to assist frontline health workers and affected communities nationwide."
Dr. Sarawut Rachasrimuang, National Director, World Vision Foundation of Thailand said: "Emergency relief is one of the missions of World Vision Thailand and we are delighted to be the recipient and pass on the support from The Coca-Cola Foundation."
The World Vision Foundation of Thailand will receive US$300,000 (more than 9 million baht) to purchase hygiene and infection prevention supplies for distribution to affected people in the Foundation's network across the country.
"The Foundation will work with local public health volunteers to deliver more than 31,000 COVID-19 protective kits, including face masks, alcohol sanitizing gel and hand soap, to children and families in 15 provinces to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, more than 6,000 PPE kits will be provided to healthcare workers in 12 hospitals as we help to enable the community to safely and quickly access public healthcare," added Dr. Sarawut.
The Coca-Cola Foundation also provided a further grant of US$100,000 (more than 3 million baht) to the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation Thailand (SOS) which has a mission to rescue and serve surplus food from donors to the communities in need as part of their effort to help reduce food waste in Bangkok and surrounding areas covering four provinces. Apart from their usual operations, SOS will use this grant as funds to supply food and other necessities, such as rice, tinned fish, medical masks, and pulse oximeters, to vulnerable communities who have been affected by COVID-19, including people who are unemployed and isolated at home.
Mr. James Leyson, Managing Director of Scholars of Sustenance Foundation Thailand (SOS) said: "Normally, our primary mission is to distribute nutritious surplus food for people in need while minimizing food waste to landfill and improving food equity through Food Rescue Program. Under the current circumstance, however, we also play an extra role of connecting donors with communities in needs. The Foundation really appreciates the support from The Coca-Cola Foundation."
This US$400,000 grant is the second fund contributed by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, to support local COVID-19 relief efforts in Thailand. In May 2020, the company provided an initial donation of US$400,000 (more than 12 million baht) to support the 'Chaipattana COVID-19 Aid Fund (and Other Pandemics)' by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Honorary President of the Chaipattana Foundation, to help healthcare workers and medical facilities in responding to the COVID-19 situation.
The Coca-Cola Foundation Thailand - Established was in 2003 by Coca-Coca (Thailand) Ltd. and its bottling partners ThaiNamthip Ltd and HaadThip Pcl. The Coca-Cola Foundation Thailand is committed to sustainable development and activities, in an effort to help resolve social and environmental problems in Thailand, through working with local and international partners. The Foundation focuses on water management, education development, environment protection, as well as the preparation for emergency disaster aid.
Source: Hill & Knowlton