(Photo: John Q. Porter/JQP Design)
Coca-Cola Refreshments and the Portland Timbers Major League Soccer team have awarded $50,000 to the City of Portland’s Safe Routes to School program.
“The donation is a part of continued efforts by Coca-Cola and the Portland Timbers to promote a cleaner environment and encourage kids in our communities to become more active,” read a PBOT statement.
At last night’s Timbers match against Argentina’s Independiente, local kids from the Safe Routes program rode to Jeld-Wen Field and took part in a special halftime ceremony. The Timbers mascot joined the students and representatives from Coca-Cola to present the check to Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard and PBOT Director Tom Miller.
Coca-Cola is the largest beverage company in the world and their portfolio of drink brands accounts for 1.7 billion servings every day.
“At Coca-Cola, we believe in supporting positive youth development and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles,” said Noel Coulson, Wilsonville Distribution Center manager. “We are proud to partner with the Portland Timbers to support Safe Routes to School to get kids walking, biking and improving their communities.”
The $50,000 will go toward ongoing support of Safe Routes to School programs in more than 80 Portland elementary schools. The program is expected to reach 50,000 students this coming year.