COCA-COLA CARAVAN CREATES REAL MAGIC IN THE STREETS OF BAGHDAD THIS RAMADAN
Coca‑Cola hosted one of the longest iftar tables in Baghdad at Sindibad park, serving nearly 1,000 guests
30/04/2022
Reinforcing its commitment to Iraq, Coca‑Cola made Ramadan in Baghdad special by hosting several activities that brought communities and families together. Creating moments of Real Magic and making a difference through giving and sharing, five Coca‑Cola happiness trucks travelled the streets of Baghdad as an iconic Caravan bringing treats and surprises to residents, visitors and those in need, to make the Holy Month even more special.
The Coca‑Cola Caravan visited three orphanages delivering iftar meals and toys to orphans and staff at Dar Baraem AlSleekh, Dar Zohor AlAazamiah, and Hisham Al Thahabi orphanages in Baghdad.
In addition, Coca‑Cola partnered with USAID and IOM Iraq to support the Iraqi Alliance for Disability Organizations (IADO) in distributing dry food boxes - covering three meals per day for 30 days - for households with persons with disabilities ahead of Eid Al-Fitr. This initiative was complemented by a series of iftars at the IADO Center in Baghdad, which were combined with discussion sessions to enable beneficiaries with disabilities and their families to share good practices in managing mental health and social stigma around disabilities.
Coca‑Cola’s Ramadan events culminated with one of the longest iftar tables in Baghdad with nearly 1,000 guests breaking their fast together on 29th April at Sindibad Park - an iconic theme park in the heart of the city. Attendees also took part in the ‘Happiness Truck’ surprise activity, where at the press a button a variety of special gifts could be won.
“Making a difference by giving back to our communities is one of our key objectives and what better time than Ramadan. Reflecting the spirit of the Holy Month, our aim was to bring communities together through sharing, giving and creating magical moments of joy and surprise among families, children and those in need. In close partnership with our bottling partner, CCI, we are happy to have made Ramadan special through the Coca‑Cola Caravan activities and to have had the opportunity to create one of the most memorable iftars in Baghdad,” said Tarun Sabhlok, Marketing Director - Middle East Region, The Coca‑Cola Company.
“Alongside great joy and camaraderie, major holidays can bring financial and emotional stress upon families dealing with vulnerability — including those in protracted displacement and caring for persons with disabilities,” noted IOM Iraq Chief of Mission, Mr. Giorgi Gigauri. “As Iraqi communities continue to work together towards post-conflict stabilization and revitalization, IOM is pleased to work with USAID, Coca‑Cola and IADO on this initiative to support some of society’s most marginalized members and implement more disability inclusive programming.”
The five happiness trucks that formed the Coca‑Cola Caravan travelled the streets of Baghdad every day after iftar where Coca‑Cola beverages, treats and delights were handed out at Dream City Mall, Al Mansour Area and at Adhamiya, Al Dhubat Street