Addis Ababa, Ethiopia –Thousands of residents of the Mekedonia Home for the Elderly celebrated the Ethiopian New Year with a hearty meal provided by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Ethiopia.
Founded in 2010, Mekedonia is a charitable organisation that supports elderly people and individuals with mental disabilities who have no means of supporting themselves. This year, CCBA in Ethiopia partnered with Mekedonia to feed 3,000 residents – marking the second time the company has supported the charity during New Year celebrations.
“As we begin the New Year, it is a time for renewal and celebration,” said Melkamu Abebe, Managing Director at CCBA in Ethiopia.
“In Ethiopian culture, elders are deeply revered. They are the keepers of our traditions, stories, and wisdom. Through this feeding programme, we aim to honour their invaluable contributions and ensure they feel loved and appreciated during this special time,” Abebe continued.
“Sharing a meal is a universal act of bonding and solidarity. We hope to create lasting memories and a sense of belonging for all involved. We also wanted to provide our employees with the opportunity to participate in this initiative, inspiring further support for Mekedonia and other organisations.”
“At CCBA, our purpose is to refresh Africa and create shared value,” Abebe added. “Our aspiration is not only to reflect the diversity of the communities where we operate but also to lead and advocate for a better shared future.”
“Community involvement allows us to bring positive, measurable change to both the communities in which we operate and to our business,” Abebe concluded.
Biniam Belete, founder of Mekedonia, expressed his gratitude, saying: “On behalf of Mekedonia, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to CCBA in Ethiopia for standing beside our elderly community. Your support goes beyond just providing a simple meal. It restores dignity, demonstrates care, and ignites hope. We are truly inspired by your generosity and look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.”
