The fund aims to empower young people from disadvantaged areas in Ireland

Straight off the back of the Met Gala, Irish actor Barry Keoghan has launched the 2023 Coca-Cola ‘Thank You Fund’ which aims to help local communities around Ireland. The 30-year-old hailed the project and said it ‘struck a chord’ with him after meeting young people whose lives were impacted by the programmes. The fund aims to empower young people from disadvantaged areas in Ireland with the skills they need to take action in their homes and communities for a more climate-positive future. Barry Keoghan spoke about his own experience, as an advocate for the importance of local youth groups, and the role of the Coca-Cola ‘Thank You Fund’ in empowering and equipping young people across Ireland and Northern Ireland. “I launched the 2020 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund just before the pandemic, and it really struck a chord with me; meeting the young people whose lives had been so positively impacted by the programmes delivered as a result of this great support,” he said. “The Coca-Cola ‘Thank You Fund’ is giving local groups in communities the ability to help vulnerable young people build positive relationships and develop skills that will have a lasting impact on their future and their communities, but also on our environment, and that’s something that’s important to me. “I’m a proud example of the impact of local projects and hope that I can help other young people by encouraging community-based programmes to apply for funding.” Commenting at the launch, Coca-Cola Ireland Country Manager, Agnese Filippi, said: “This is a milestone year for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund as we join forces with our partners in Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland to double the size and impact of the Fund, making €200,000 in grants available. “Through this funding, we’re seeking to provide opportunities for young people to realise their potential, achieve their goals and contribute positively to society. “With these added resources, we’re directly investing in youth-orientated organisations that are empowering young people through programmes of learning, inclusion, and sustainable development, working in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation to ensure no one is left behind. “The Coca-Cola ‘Thank You Fund’ was set up in 2011 to mark the 125th anniversary of the company, with the increased investment in this year’s fund seeing the total grants donated to non-profit organisations reach over €1.5 million, which we as a business are extremely proud of.” Applications for this year’s Coca-Cola Thank You Fund can be submitted via www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou until 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 15, with entries assessed under the categories of education, inclusion and sustainable development. Applicants are encouraged to visit the website for further details and full terms and conditions.

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