PepsiCo announced that Pepsi will be the first global brand to partner with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency for the #Football4Refugees emergency appeal. 

PepsiCo’s philanthropic arm, the PepsiCo Foundation is donating $1million to #Football4Refugees, and the Pepsi brand will be calling on its network of sports and music talent to drive awareness and donations to the appeal.

In the past decade, the global refugee population has more than doubled. Even before the crisis in Ukraine, 84 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide. 

As such, the #Football4Refugees appeal has been created to unite the global football community in raising critical funds to provide humanitarian assistance such as shelter and protection for people forced to flee their homes by conflict, war or persecution. 

#Football4Refugees is calling on players and fans to come together around the world to stand in support of those who have been forced to flee.

Ram Krishnan, CEO, International Beverages and Chief Commercial Officer for PepsiCo said: “The global refugee crisis continues to affect the lives of so many people. At PepsiCo we want to ensure we are doing everything we can to provide those in need with vital resources and support. 

“We’re proud to be working closely with UNHCR, who are doing outstanding work providing humanitarian assistance, among others, through the #Football4Refugees emergency appeal. We hope that the online support from our network of talent over the coming days will help to raise further awareness and funds for this life-changing initiative.”

Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner of Refugees, UNHCR commented: “Across the globe, there are now more than 84 million people who’ve been forced to flee their homes. From Ukraine to Ethiopia, Colombia to Venezuela, Afghanistan to Bangladesh, the needs of refugees are growing each day. UNHCR needs more partners like PepsiCo and the global football community to bring awareness and resources to those who need it most.”

To ensure donations have the greatest impact for people affected by global conflicts, funds will go towards providing shelter, psycho-social support and protection, financial assistance and other life-saving support. UNHCR is on the ground, working day-and-night to help those who need it most.