Coca-Cola Extends Help to Sick Children

In its third annual fundraiser for Victory Junction camp, Kangaroo Express presented a $634,000 donation to Victory Junction prior to the start of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The donation, raised through an in-store promotion with partnership support from Coca-Cola, will send more than 250 children to Victory Junction, a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

Victory Junction, located in Randleman, N.C., was founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has welcomed 13,000 children and families since opening in 2004.

With a similar CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative, PepsiCo Foundation has announced its commitment of $500,000 to non-profit partners leading relief and recovery efforts in Missouri as a result of tornados and severe weather. (Read: PepsiCo’s $500,000 for Tornado Relief Efforts)

“The Victory Junction camping experience empowers children by giving them a sense of independence through enrichment and camaraderie. The donation from Kangaroo Express and Coca-Cola, among the largest amount raised as a single fundraiser for Victory Junction, will have a significant impact in these children’s lives,” said Kyle Petty.

Kangaroo Express stores in Charleston, S.C. first began raising funds for Victory Junction in 2009. In 2010 the program was expanded to all stores in North Carolina and South Carolina.

This year, the company further expanded the program by including stores in Virginia and more than tripled the total donation from last year. 

“We look forward to supporting Victory Junction each year to provide a chance for kids with chronic medical conditions to enjoy an unforgettable summer camp and take a break from the challenges they face every day,” said Dan Holmes, vice president of marketing, Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated. 

The announcement was made by Coca-Cola Tuesday, May 31.