Coca‑Cola New Zealand’s ‘Support My Cause’ initiative empowers staff to drive community impact
Auckland, New Zealand – 16 December 2024, Coca‑Cola in New Zealand is excited to announce the expansion of its Support My Cause employee-led grant program. This impactful program is part of Coca‑Cola in the Community - a joint initiative between Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Coca‑Cola Oceania employees to support the causes that matter most to them, making a real difference in their local communities.
In 2024, the program provided crucial grants to local charities, supporting projects that promote diversity and inclusion across Aotearoa.
Julie O'Toole, Director for Coca‑Cola Oceania, reflected on the stronger ties formed through the initiative. “It’s incredibly powerful to witness our employees’ enthusiasm for these causes. Support My Cause allows us to not only make a meaningful contribution but to stand alongside organisations that, in many cases, have been there for our team members in their own times of need.”
O'Toole continued, “This initiative is a true reflection of our shared values and vision for positive change. Donating to these impactful charities together with our team is something we’re immensely proud of, and it’s a privilege to support the meaningful work they do across Aotearoa.”
To launch the initiative, Coca‑Cola New Zealand employees nominated their favourite charities they felt would benefit most from support. A judging panel reviewed these nominations and selected six organisations aligned with Coca‑Cola in the Community’s mission to make a positive impact. Coca‑Cola employees across the motu then voted to decide how to allocate the support.
This year’s selected charities represent a diverse range of causes, including Child Cancer Foundation, Foster Hope, Mobility Dogs, Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue, Maurice Paykel Centre, and Totara Riding for the Disabled. Each organisation plays a unique role, and Coca‑Cola’s support aims to sustain their work in meaningful ways.
Wendy Rayner, Managing Director for CCEP NZ, highlighted the impact of empowering employees to lead the initiative. “Our team has an invaluable connection to their communities - they’re the ones who see, day in and day out, where support can make the greatest difference. Support My Cause allows them to shape our contributions, directing resources to the issues and organisations they care deeply about.”
Rayner added, “Watching our team members lead in supporting their communities is truly inspiring. By backing the causes that matter to them, we’re not just making donations; we’re investing in relationships and driving change where it’s needed most.”
One of the beneficiaries this year, Totara Riding for the Disabled in Manukau offers therapeutic riding sessions that support physical and mental well-being for individuals with disabilities. Cilla Bell, President for Totara Riding for the Disabled says, “Support like this enables us to expand our services and reach even more people who benefit from therapeutic riding. We are very grateful to the Coca‑Cola in New Zealand employees who recognised our mission and made this contribution possible. Together, we’re making a difference.”
Coca‑Cola in the Community is more than just a donation program - it’s a commitment to uplifting communities. Through initiatives like Support My Cause, Coca‑Cola in New Zealand is building lasting partnerships with local organisations and looks forward to reaching out to more charities across Aotearoa.