Coca-Cola celebrates 125 years and says 'Thank You'

The Coca-Cola 125 Years Thank You Fund has been developed and will be operated in partnership with NICVA and The Wheel in Dublin. It's been designed to support projects and initiatives that are having a positive impact on the quality of life of communities in Ireland.

A total of 15 grants will be made - ten of €10,000/£8,849 and five of €5,000/£4,424.

Commenting on the Coca-Cola 125 Years Thank You Fund, Seamus McAleavey, CEO of NICVA, said:

"It is wonderful to see an iconic brand like Coke choose to celebrate its anniversary through the establishment of a community fund. The approach that Coca-Cola is taking means that its anniversary celebrations will have a long-term sustainable impact on communities in Northern Ireland and throughout the country. We are delighted to be associated with this initiative."

Speaking at the launch, Marcel Martin, General Manager for Coca-Cola HBC in Ireland said:

"Our 125th anniversary is a great day for Coca-Cola and we are celebrating this milestone on the island of Ireland with a range of celebratory activities, including the launch of the Coca-Cola 125 Years Thank You Fund. Coke would not be where it is today without the loyal support of our consumers over many years and we feel that giving a little something back to their communities is an appropriate way to thank them."

Eligibility and application

The €125,000/£110,000  will be granted to non-profit voluntary, community and charitable organisations to help support initiatives focused on the following areas:

• social and education programmes aimed at youth
• healthy and active lifestyles, and
• environmental leadership.

Marcel Martin went on to say:

"We are calling on all eligible organisations to apply online through our website, coca-cola.ie, and to outline to us the kinds of projects that they would like to roll out with this funding. Later this summer there will be an opportunity for the public to vote for their favourite project so I would encourage everyone to keep an eye on the website in the weeks ahead.

"The Coca-Cola 125 Years Thank You Fund is our way of giving a little something back to the communities across the island of Ireland."

For more, including details of some of the other 125th anniversary celebrations, visit the website at coca-cola.ie