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06-08-2014


In light of the humanitarian disaster and the displacement crisis in the Gaza Strip, National Beverage Company provides support worth US$ 120,000 and Arwa water in assistance to the people of Gaza




 
 
Ramallah - The National Beverage Company Coca-Cola/Cappy (NBC) presented a donation of US$ 120,000 to the United Nations Refugee and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as part of NBC’s efforts to provide support to our people in the Gaza Strip, which comes in the aftermath of the worsening and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression a month ago. The grant provided by the Company included a cash donation of US$ 100,000 and in-kind donation of US$ 20,000 comprising the Company's products including Arwa water and Cappy natural juices in addition to carbonated soft drinks.
 
NBC was one of the first companies that rushed to provide support and assistance for displaced people at the beginning of the Israeli aggression by donating about 1,000 boxes of mineral water, Arwa, presented by the Company to UNRWA, which has distributed them to 20 schools that house Gazans who were displaced following the destruction of their homes or who took refuge from the violent and persistent Israeli bombardment.
 
Mr. Zahi Khouri, Chairman of the National Beverage Company Coca-Cola/Cappy, confirmed that the donation came in response to the urgent humanitarian needs and out of the moral and national duty of the Company towards our people in the Gaza Strip. He explained, "We receive the news of what was happening in Gaza with utmost grief and sorrow, and we were watching the ugly massacres committed against our defenceless people, and against humanity and childhood. We, as Palestinians and as a part of the Palestinian fabric, are committed to stand by our people in the Gaza Strip, and to provide their needs in order to support them in their anguish and to try to mitigate their suffering from the horrifying humanitarian situation experienced by our people there, who have been displaced from their homes and who lost their shelter and food, and those injured or are struggling to survive in the light of the lack of medical equipment and supplies."
 
Mr. Khouri reiterated that, "we, in the NBC, are keen to utilize all our capabilities and expertise to contribute to the building of our Palestinian state, which is reflected through our community activities aiming to build the components of a strong and solid nation. So, we took special care that our support covers all sectors of the society and all parts of Palestine, especially the Gaza Strip, which is in dire need of all forms of societal, material, moral and economic support and assistance, and that will help the people move forward to a hopeful and prosperous future."
 
On his part, Mr. Imad al-Hindi, General Manager of the National Beverage Company Coca-Cola/Cappy, stressed the keenness of the NBC to meet the need to contribute to the relief of the people of the Gaza Strip and to extend a helping hand to them in order to alleviate their suffering.  He appealed to all parties and institutions, especially the private sector, to unite and synergize their efforts to seek by all physical and moral means to support the steadfastness of the people of Gaza and to respond to the emergency humanitarian needs for food, medicine and shelter in light of the decreasing basic necessities of life and the increasing numbers of displaced people."
 
Mr. al-Hindi also urged that support to our people in the Gaza Strip and especially to the displaced should not stop at this point, confirming that, "The scale of destruction in Gaza and the horrifying humanitarian disaster are too huge; and therefore, NBC is committed to continue its support and to stand by the side of our people in distress. We will contribute, using all our means and all our capabilities in the reconstruction of Gaza, which will be our first priority, and we will work, in coordination and cooperation with all concerned parties, to restore the life that was brutally destroyed by the occupation forces in the Strip."
He added, "In light of the suffering of our people in Gaza, especially the children, and given the difficult situation under extreme conditions and the continued brutal aggression, we are required to ensure the delivery of food and medical aid to them to alleviate the suffering of the sick, wounded and displaced persons."  He went on to say: "We, in NBC, appreciate the role of UNRWA, which strives, in spite of the limited resources, the restrictions and the Israeli bombardment, to perform its duty and meet the needs of the population and mitigation their agonizing light."
 
The support of NBC is provided in parallel with the completion by the Company of a series of charity Iftar meals during the month of Ramadan, which were organized on a number of associations concerned with the welfare of orphans.  NBC Iftars targeted the Orphan Care Association in Bethlehem, the Isra charity Association in the city of Jericho, and the Association of Arab Orphan in the town of Tulkarem. They hosted more than 360 orphans in the context of NBC care and commitment to sponsor and support the orphaned children and bring about joy and happiness to their hearts.