American Beverage Association Blog » Humanitarian Relief

Humanitarian Relief: Bottled Water Can Play a Significant Role

ABA — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:26:16 +0000

In light of today’s news about yet another earthquake in Japan, we were reminded of the ongoing need for humanitarian relief. The people of Japan have a long recovery ahead from these earthquakes, as well as the tsunami and nuclear crisis. In times such as these, bottled water can play a key role in both supply and water safety efforts.

Over the years, bottled water has proved to be a staple in providing relief to families, senior citizens, patients and orphaned children both here at home and around the world when disaster strikes – providing a critical means to stay hydrated, especially when tap water is not safe or available. Massive distributions have been made to help those put in harm’s way by floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and other disasters. For example, immediately following Hurricane Katrina, the beverage industry responded to an urgent FEMA request to provide more than 200,000 cases of bottled water for distribution to hurricane victims. And today, many communities recommend that people keep bottled water on hand in case of a local emergency.

Following Through on the Relief Effort in Haiti

ABA — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:13:15 +0000

One year ago today, an earthquake rocked the island nation of Haiti and killed more than 200,000 people, crippling an already struggling government and economy. The mobilization of relief efforts was swift and impressive in scope, but unfortunately the recovery process, while still ongoing, has slowed significantly. As of July of last year, reports described the landscape as similar to the devastation just after the earthquake.

Last year, we wrote about the early responders as well as our member companies’ efforts to help the people of Haiti. The disaster in Haiti is an example of industries and communities coming together to help those in need and it encourages others to do the same.

So today we’d like to remind our readers of the hardships that still exist in Haiti and beyond and encourage you to find a way to make a difference.

Unified Front in Haiti

ABA — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:57:06 +0000

Like many disasters, the devastating earthquake in Haiti has prompted a widespread mobilization of aid and a global outpouring of support as the poorest country in the western hemisphere finds itself in crisis. The Red Cross has stepped forward as one of the early responders, along with Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders and the governments of many countries around the world. Wyclef Jean, a Haitian-born musician best known as a member of The Fugees, also has committed himself to the cause by fundraising through his organization, Yele Haiti.

Haitian history is marked by political instability and extreme poverty. As the extent of the devastation becomes clearer, many are offering to assist, including large companies with a global reach and concern.

Four of our member companies, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Nestle Waters North America are donating to the relief efforts and encouraging employees, families and friends to follow suit. We acknowledge our reach not only through our wide range of products but also through our commitment to social responsibility in the international community.

The beverage industry has a long history of helping out in times of crisis and natural disaster such as this (examples include the California wildfires and Hurricane Katrina).

In times of disaster, to ensure relief in both the short and long term, the united effort of our industry can only help. This crisis is no different.