Coca-Cola said that it is suspending its advertising campaign in the Philippines so it can donate millions of dollars in typhoon relief efforts.
“We would like to express our deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic disaster in the Philippines,” Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of the company, said in a release. “Our dedicated associates are on the ground offering assistance, and we are committed to helping the communities rebuild.”
Thus far, the company has donated some $2.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions.
“We wish to express our heartfelt solidarity to all Filipinos in these difficult times,” said Carlos Salazar Lomelín, the head of of Coca-Cola FEMSA in the Philippines. “It is in times like these when the Philippines sets an example of resilience and good spirit, and where our values of supporting ourselves as a team come at its best.”
Earlier this month, Typhoon Haiyan killed around 7,000 people and missing, while devastating towns and communities in the Central Philippines.
“From day one, we have mobilized our system to provide water and resources to the survivors of the super typhoon. Immediately after the disaster, we worked with our partners, the Philippine Red Cross, the DSWD, and the AFP to be able to provide water to the affected areas,” Guillermo Aponte, President and General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, said in a statement.
But the company was panned for the movie
“It is still an advertising move,” a Reddit user wrote, according to the Huffington Post. “People will find out what they did, think they are a better company because of it, and buy their product to support it. As great as it is it still gives them advertising.”
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