Starbucks reaffirms its commitment to create thriving neighborhoods in Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon, July 4, 2011 - Starbucks has recently teamed up with the YouthAssociation for Social Awareness (YASA) to raise awareness on road safety andsecurity in local Lebanese schools and universities.
A joint activity wasconducted by Starbucks in Lebanon, and took place in Rio City with Starbuckspartners and YASA management working together to train a group of 90 studentsfrom Sagesse High School (SHS) - Active Citizen Project on the dangers of recklessdriving and traffic crashes. These students were chosen after they did variousYASA interventions during the year as part of the Public Awareness Week for theActive Citizen Project of SHS Grade 6 students.
After YASA gave aninteractive presentation explaining safe driving measures, students accompaniedby Starbucks volunteers were taken to drive mini cars around Rio City's circuitto practice the safe driving measures they learned.
"Our positive commitmentto the local communities in which Starbucks operates is an integral part of ourmission and strategy. In Lebanon, we are proud of our partnerships withreputable NGO's such as the Youth Association for Social Awareness (YASA). NowStarbucks partners can join YASA volunteers to teach kids safe driving and roadrules, and prepare them to become the responsible drivers of tomorrow," saidRana Shaheen, Regional Communications & CSR Manager, for Starbucks MENA.
Ziad Akl, president ofYASA International said: "Lebanon witnesses a yearly increase in car crashesthat ranges between 12 and 17 percent. It is the responsibility of the civilsociety to enhance awareness among the Lebanese. Everyone including the privatesector, media, schools, parents and centers need to team up to raise awarenesson car crashes, especially among kids, the responsible drivers of tomorrow. Iam very proud of Starbucks partner's involvement in the project's success andambitious about our new partnership with Starbucks."
Starbucks aims to helpcreate positive, sustainable change in communities in the Middle East with afocus on benefiting youth and the environment. Starbucks is working with localand regional nonprofit organizations in different countries on a variety of communityprojects.
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AboutStarbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company hasbeen committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabicacoffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is thepremier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through ourunwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring theunique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through everycup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com
© Press Release 2011
