The Coca-Cola Company has donated $300,000 to be used for hurricane restoration efforts. In addition to the restoration of a community center on Ragged Island, the donation will be used to provide vital repairs to the Salvation Army’s women and children’s shelter in Grants Town, New Providence.

The Salvation Army of the Bahamas has worked extensively in Ragged Island and New Providence communities since Hurricane Mathew and Irma, and will oversee both projects. 

The Caribbean Bottling Company, local bottler of Coca-Cola beverages, is extremely grateful for The Coca-Cola Co.’s generous donation and will work closely with the Salvation Army to ensure that both projects are successful.

“Last year, Hurricane Irma ravaged the Bahamas, and our hearts went out to those impacted in the Southeastern Islands and around the Bahamas” noted Caribbean Bottling Co. CEO, Walter Wells. “In addition to our local efforts we are proud to work along with The Coca-Cola Company. Their donation highlights Coca-Cola’s commitment to the Bahamian communities that we serve.”

The community center, which will also be outfitted with classrooms, will allow many young Ragged Islanders, who are currently attending schools on other islands, to return home. The shelter, which was initially damaged extensively during 2016’s Hurricane Mathew, will be able to house up to 20 women and children and will provide a safe environment for New Providence’s most vulnerable residents.

Both buildings are urgently needed resources, and Ragged Island and Grants Town residents are looking forward to the facilities being completed.

"The donation received from Coca-Cola in collaboration with Salvation Army Bahamas is significant to the restoration of Ragged Island” noted Melissa Allen-Maynard, Fundraising Chairperson for Restoration Ragged Island. “The collaborative efforts give the people of Ragged Island hope and insurance that families impacted by Hurricane Irma can return to normalcy."

The Salvation Army was instrumental in identifying areas that were most in need of assistance, and are extremely grateful for The Coca-Cola Co.’s donation and support. "The Salvation Army of the Bahamas is thankful to Coca-Cola for their partnership in helping to give hope to the many families impacted by Hurricane Irma” noted Major Clarence Ingram, Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander. “Our partnership with a great community-minded and philanthropic company like Coca-Cola is excellent. “
Preliminary work on both buildings started in early 2018, and will continue throughout the year.