PepsiCo Foundation donates R6 million to Gift of the Givers to help displaced floods victims in KZN
Author: info@klassikdigital.co.za
In response to the Kwa-Zulu Natal floods earlier this year, the PepsiCo Foundation has donated over R6 million to Gift of the Givers to distribute food hampers and hygiene kits to help bring dignity and rebuild the lives and livelihoods of those affected.
Distributions have been taking place at various centres over the past few months, with the last of these taking place on 28 November 2022 at Windy Heights Primary School in Malagazi outside Durban.
The floods caused great economic and social damage, at least 461 people lost their lives, about 874 companies were affected, about 40 000 people were displaced and damage to infrastructure was estimated at more than R20 billion.
“As a leading food and beverage company in South Africa, we must play a critical role in leveraging our global capabilities to achieve local impact in the areas where we live and work. Together with Gift of the Givers, we will work to provide social relief and help build resilience in our communities,” says Devendri Adari, PepsiCo Foundation Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through their PepsiCo Positive goals, PepsiCo is aiming to help 50 million people gain ready access to nutritious foods by 2030 as part of their Food for Good programme.
In addition to its work to address hunger, the PepsiCo Foundation also stands ready to assist when natural disasters or pandemics strike, quickly responding to support our communities and partners on the frontlines. During the Covid pandemic, the foundation spent approx. $1.2 million to provide 18.3 million meals to communities in Nigeria, Ethiopia and across South Africa.
Adari explains that the Foundation’s ability to go deep in their communities is a result of the lasting relationships they have with partners on the ground, “Thanks to strong partnerships with NGOs across the globe, we are able to reach even more communities and individuals,” and adds: “ In this case, Gift of the Givers was already on the ground working to help those affected so it was the natural choice to partner in this endeavor”.
“In acute disasters it’s about bringing hope to people and providing for their immediate needs. Through the generosity of partners such as PepsiCo, we’ve reached thousands of families with much needed emergency relief. Our phased approach includes the sustainability and development of communities to build resilience. We thank PepsiCo for coming alongside us in responding to those affected by the floods and in so doing, promoting the dignity of mankind” said spokesperson from Gift of the Givers.
This project although limited to one province showcases the broad reach successful partnerships such as this one between the PepsiCo Foundation and the Gift of the Givers can have to improve livelihoods affected severely by natural disasters.