PepsiCo Contributes $1 Million to #Football4Refugees and Launches Pepsi® Social Initiative

With this latest donation, the Pepsico Foundation has pledged nearly $15 million in humanitarian aid to the global refugee crisis.

PepsiCo is pleased to announce that Pepsi® will be the first global brand to collaborate with UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, on the #Football4Refugees emergency appeal. The PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo's philanthropic arm, is donating $1 million to #Football4Refugees, and the Pepsi brand will mobilize its network of sports and music talent to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

The global refugee population has more than doubled in the last decade. Even before the Ukraine crisis, 84 million people were forcibly displaced around the world. As a result, the #Football4Refugees campaign was launched to unite the global football community in raising critical funds to provide humanitarian aid such as shelter and protection to people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, war, or persecution. #Football4Refugees is an international call for players and fans to unite in support of those who have been forced to flee.

PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation have now pledged nearly US$ 15 million to humanitarian relief in Ukraine, as well as support for refugees in other parts of the world, as the need grows globally. Pepsi, as a brand rooted in sports, promotes football as a means of uniting people all over the world and as a force for good. Pepsi is the first private sector partner to support #Football4Refugees, demonstrating the power of football and its brand to engage fans, talents, customers, and employees in order to encourage additional donations to the cause.

Pepsi will use its football and music talents to create a "Pass It On" social awareness drive to amplify its support and raise widespread awareness of the emergency appeal. Several world-famous people will post short video clips online in the coming days announcing their support for the #Football4Refugees initiative and encouraging their followers to participate and help raise vital funds.

Ram Krishnan, PepsiCo's CEO of International Beverages and Chief Commercial Officer, stated:

"Many people's lives are still being impacted by the global refugee crisis. At PepsiCo, we want to make certain that we are doing everything possible to provide vital resources and support to those in need. We are proud to be collaborating with UNHCR, which is providing outstanding humanitarian assistance, including through the #Football4Refugees emergency appeal. We hope that the online support from our network of talent will help to raise additional awareness and funds for this life-changing initiative in the coming days."

Kelly Clements, UNHCR's Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, commented:

"More than 84 million people have been forced to flee their homes around the world. The needs of refugees are growing every day, from Ukraine to Ethiopia, Colombia to Venezuela, Afghanistan to Bangladesh. UNHCR requires more partners, such as PepsiCo and the global football community, to raise awareness and provide resources to those in greatest need."

To maximize the impact of donations for people affected by global conflicts, funds will be used to provide shelter, psychosocial support and protection, financial assistance, and other life-saving assistance. UNHCR is on the ground, working around the clock to assist those in greatest need.

Source: Pepsico news