Livelihoods in the Kharkiv and Kherson Regions Receive Support from the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Ukrainian Red Cross
The Ukrainian Red Cross, with financial support from the Coca-Cola Foundation, has implemented a grant support programme for agricultural livelihoods affected by the war. Households have received in-kind and targeted cash assistance to help restore their sources of income from agricultural activities.
The programme was implemented in the Kharkiv region (Chuhuiv district, Malynivka community, Mospanove village, Stara Hnylytsia village; Chkalove community, Hrakovo village) and the Kherson region (Beryslav district, Velyka Oleksandrivka community, Pervomaiske village, Bila Krynytsia village, Karierne village). Grant support was provided to livelihoods that were either partially damaged or completely destroyed as a result of the war in Ukraine. Eligible households were required to have at least one able-bodied family member aged 18 to 65 and own land suitable for agricultural activities for at least one year.
The programme aims to help families resume agricultural activities, which are often their main source of income. Households selected for the programme received the following equipment from the Ukrainian Red Cross: either a polycarbonate greenhouse or a single-axle tractor with additional attachments.
“Over the past two years, The Coca-Cola Foundation has been actively supporting Ukrainians. Supporting and developing the country’s economy during such challenging times is especially important. We understand that people need assistance that will enable them to maintain and develop their livelihoods, feed their families, and earn a living, thereby strengthening their communities and surrounding areas. This grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation will help restore and sustain the livelihoods of agricultural households in the affected regions,” states Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation.
Households with the highest number of vulnerability criteria – such as those including individuals aged over 65, people classified under disability groups I and/or II, families with two or more minor children, low-income families, and those caring for orphans – were considered for participation in the programme.
“This is not the first time the Ukrainian Red Cross has implemented similar programmes in communities most affected by the war. We are committed to carrying out long-term projects aimed at supporting people who wish to rebuild their livelihoods, work, and develop,” comments Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
Households that demonstrated successful use of the provided agricultural equipment also received additional cash assistance to purchase necessary inputs, such as seeds and protective nets for greenhouses.
The Coca-Cola Foundation has allocated USD 300,000 to implement the programme. Since 24 February 2022, The Coca-Cola Company System and The Coca-Cola Foundation have committed over USD 35 million in charitable assistance to Ukrainians.
