Burlington-Based Keurig Dr. Pepper Partners With Red Cross

BURLINGTON, MA — Beverage producer Keurig Dr. Pepper (KDP), which is based in Burlington and Frisco, Texas, announced earlier this week that it has struck up a multi-year partnership with the Red Cross to provide support to families and communities in need across the U.S. and Canada.

According to the company, KDP will provide $1.5 million in financial support for the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross. The company also will offer product donations and do its part to convince employees and customers to support Red Cross initiatives like blood drives, mobile food banks and emergency relief efforts.

"Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, North America is facing exacerbated crises — more frequent and intense disasters, ongoing challenges in maintaining a strong blood supply in the U.S. and food insecurity in Canada," said Monique Oxender, KDP's senior vice president and chief stability officer. "Through our unique position as a North American beverage company, our new partnership with the Red Cross will help build resilience in communities in which many of our employees live and work while also providing emergency support."

In a release announcing the partnership, KDP said it will become a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Response Program, and will help to ensure the organization is prepared to meet the needs of people affected by disasters.

Additionally, KDP will support the Red Cross' Biomedical Services by co-hosting blood drives at KDP facilities and customer locations, creating community volunteer opportunities and raising awareness of life-saving blood donation.

KDP also will provide hot and cold beverages to American Red Cross blood donations sites and in staff lounges.

"At the American Red Cross, we count on disaster responder members like Keurig Dr Pepper because they understand the importance of being prepared before a disaster strikes so we can respond immediately," said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. " We're extremely grateful for Keurig Dr Pepper's donation, which will help ensure we can continue to build our capacity and resources ahead of time, keep up with the pace of frequent disasters and assist people in their darkest hours."

KDP also announced that it will become the first beverage company to sponsor the Canadian Red Cross's Community Health and Wellness programs. The partnership will feature KDP donating products for food delivery programs in addition to providing financial support for new and existing aid programs administered by the Canadian Red Cross.