‘Coke Cares’ Saved My Life And My Children

Abigail Agatha is a widowed mother of four. Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus, Abigail worked as a support staff in a local restaurant. The disruption caused by the government’s attempt to curb the spread of the virus led to the closure of the restaurant leaving her unemployed.

With four underage children to feed and no savings, her family was on the brink of starvation.

She heard the news of an outreach program by Coca-Cola and decided to give it a shot. It turned out to be the miracle she had hoped for. She credits Coke Cares’ timely intervention for saving her life and that of her children.

In her words, “Without work, I no get money, without money, no food for me and my children. This food wey Coke give us, e don save me and my children life, we go try manage am for long.”

Her story is similar to that of millions of Nigerians observing the COVID-19 lockdown.

The most vulnerable members of our community were not prepared for the harsh economic realities of the nationwide restrictions imposed.

With their livelihood threatened, lack of food and income has become imminent.

Here Are All The Things We Loved About The Coke Cares Community Outreach

Stepping into the Sabo, Yaba environs on Friday felt different. The excitement was so palpable; it could be sensed by everyone present. The occasion was none other than the Coke Cares food support program.

Despite an abundance of memorable moments, three things stood out:

The Volunteers: their actions on this day embodied the saying “we rise by lifting others”. Their smiles and friendly disposition are worthy of emulation. They selflessly put the needs of others before their own, doing their very best to make their community a better place.

The Beneficiaries: though weary from the fear and instability of these worrying times, were indeed grateful for the program. Their faces lit up when presented with the food relief packages. They sang praises of Coke Cares to anyone who would listen.

The New Normal: It wasn’t business as usual. Life has certainly changed for both volunteers and beneficiaries alike. Face masks were the norm, adorning every face. Hand sanitizers were also very much present and in frequent use. Having long said goodbyes to hugs and handshakes, maintaining a social distance of a least 2 feet was the new show of comradery.

Coke Cares, a food support program sponsored by Coca-Cola employees in partnership with Whitefield Foundation is distributing food relief materials to hundreds of vulnerable families in the country.