BEVERAGE brands Pepsi and Topco Juice, bottled and produced by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), yesterday contributed G$500,000 to the Guyana Relief Fund for Pakistan. The cheque was handed over by the beverage company’s Brand Executive, Alexis Crawford, to member of the Guyana Relief Fund for Pakistan Committee, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
Crawford indicated that Pepsi and Topco Juice are pleased to be playing a role in the national response to the Pakistan flood disaster. She reiterated DDL’s commitment to supporting such initiatives which are aimed at bringing relief to those adversely affected by disasters around the world.
In February, the company had shipped 20,000 gallons of its Diamond Mineral Water to Haiti following the January 12 earthquake that struck the island nation.
According to a release from public relations agency, Tagman, the contribution from Pepsi and Topco Juice will bring the amount raised by Guyana to G$21.8M to date. Hack pointed out that efforts are still being made to garner additional funds from other corporate sources which he anticipates should bring the total sum garnered to G$30M.
Flooding in Pakistan, which began on July 22, has affected approximately 20 million people across one-fifth of the country, according to the United Nations. The inundation has damaged and destroyed roads, bridges, schools, health clinics, electricity and communications.
The funds raised by Guyana will be transferred to Pakistan through the United Nations Flash Flood Appeal Programme.