Coca-Cola Vietnam has announced that it is suspending advertising and instead using funds from its advertising budget to support COVID-19 relief and response efforts. — Photo courtesy of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola Vietnam has announced that it is suspending advertising and instead using funds from its advertising budget to support COVID-19 relief and response efforts.

It has partnered with the Viet Nam Red Cross Society (VRCS) to donate hygiene supplies and beverages valued at over VND7 billion (US$298,252) to frontline healthcare staff, medical centres and areas currently under quarantine.

It will also donate 200,000 face masks, 98,000 bars of soap, 18,000 bottles of sanitising liquid, and 13,000 bottles of hand sanitisers together with high-quality beverage products.

These will be distributed to medical staff in Ha Noi, HCM City, Da Nang, and communities in quarantined areas in Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan.

Peeyush Sharma, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam Limited, said: “Coca-Cola Vietnam is deeply concerned about the growing impact of COVID-19 in Viet Nam. These are challenging times for all of us, and we are fully committed to doing everything we can to help and make a difference.”

In light of the evolving situation, Coca-Cola has decided that its commercial advertising in Viet Nam and across Southeast Asia will be put on hold for the next month and would be re-directed towards supporting COVID-19 relief and response efforts for the most affected communities.

The company’s advertising funds will be donated to NGOs and other partners on the ground to support the incredible efforts of healthcare workers and people on the frontline as well as vulnerable communities.

Coca-Cola estimates that it will rechannel over $5 million to support these community efforts across ASEAN over at least the next month.

Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu, chairwoman of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, said: “The Vietnam Red Cross Society highly appreciates the partnership efforts of Coca-Cola and its support to the community during this challenging time.” — VNS