Arwa initiative with Mercy Corps and Red Crescent Launch Campaign to Raise Money to Provide Safe, Clean Water to Syrian Refugees
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 20th July 2014
Mercy Corps and Red Crescent, working in partnership with the low sodium bottled water Arwa, today launched The Price of Water Campaign across the UAE. The campaign asks the UAE public to pay what they think water is worth to help improve the lives of people in the world's toughest places.
For the next four weeks, Arwa water will be free of charge in participating outlets. Instead of the usual price, Arwa asks the public to pay the price that water is worth to them and encourages a donation to help improve the lives of Syrian refugees. The money raised will go directly to the establishment of water filtration systems that will provide safe, clean water to Syrian refugee children in Jordan.
Water is an unquestionably vital element for life. In Jordan alone, where the country's aging water infrastructure leaks 76 billion liters per year, the influx of 600,000 Syrian refugees has further depleted the water supply, according to a Mercy Corps report released in March.
Arwa is enabling the public to donate money to Red Crescent through their website or on Etisalat by texting "Arwa" to 6881 to donate 10 dirhams.
For donations made on twitter, via @arwa_water Arwa will match the donation made to further aid Mercy Corps' work.
To help make a difference to those in need, all Burger King outlets across the UAE will be giving away free Arwa water and providing the public with an opportunity to donate from 4th August.
The public can also donate in participating Choithrams stores across the UAE on 24th, 25th and 26th July.
In the spirit of partnership Rotana TV Group joins forces with Arwa as the exclusive media partner for the cause, bringing awareness of the campaign to the region.
The announcement was made with a press conference, with the support of A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue, utilizing their creative spaces.
"The flow of refugees into Jordan and other countries neighboring Syria is not slowing down, and access to safe, clean water is a pressing challenge," Dina Sabbagh, Mercy Corps. "Eighty liters of water per day are needed to satisfy basic needs, but in areas hosting large refugee populations, the average supply has dropped to as low as 30 liters per day. We urge the shoppers in the UAE to consider how important water is to them and give generously to this campaign. The price of water really counts."
Antoine Tayyar, Public Affairs and Communication Director for Coca-Cola Middle East said "The Coca-Cola Company is committed to enhancing personal well-being, building stronger communities and protecting the environment. The Price of Water Campaign aligns with these core values as it promises to help make a fundamental and necessary difference in thousands of people's lives. We are honoured to be working alongside Mercy Corps and Red Crescent in order to make a greater impact."
As a leading humanitarian agency, Mercy Corps works to save and improve the lives of millions of people around the world. The Price of Water Campaign in the UAE, in partnership with Red Crescent, is the UAE's chance to help.
Arwa has been quenching thirsts in the Middle East since 2006. A product of the Coca-Cola Company, Arwa is produced and bottled according to the highest international safety and quality standards.
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About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world's toughest places. With a network of experienced professionals in more than 40 countries, we partner with local communities to put bold ideas into action to help people recover, conquer hardship and build better lives.www.mercycorps.org.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 17 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.
About A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue Arts District, Dubai
A Collective space for cross-collaboration, to inspire and influence the young generation of Dubai. Located in the midst of Alserkal Avenue district, boasting: free wifi, cinema room, project space, cafe, concept store and a book collection built by the people for the people. An initiative fully supported by the Alserkal family, the Patrons of the Arts.
#LEAVEYOURNOTE first of its kind campaign in Dubai encourages people and organization's to donate books of influence, building the collection for as a permanent part of A4 Space.
Opening hours: Sat - Thur 10.00 - 19.00
www.alserkalavenue.ae/whoishere
About Alserkal Avenue Arts District, Dubai
Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, is a prominent Arts District within the industrial quarter of the city, which houses over twenty contemporary art galleries and alternative arts and community spaces. Currently doubling in size by 2014 with a 14 million USD expansion project, supported by Alserkal family, the Avenue will welcome a wide spectrum of creative businesses that will further transform the cultural landscape of Dubai.
For more information, please contact:
Antoine Tayyar
Public Affairs & Communications Director
Coca-Cola Middle East
Office: +97144444614
E-mail: antayyar@coca-cola.com
Feras Salah
Memac Ogilvy Public Relations, Dubai
Office: +971 (0) 4305 0319
E-mail: feras.salah@ogilvy.com
© Press Release 2014
