Champions League treat for Cork PepsiCo staff and families

EMPLOYEES of PepsiCo and their families had the rare opportunity last weekend to get up close and personal with the Uefa Champions League trophy.

A commercial partner of the Uefa Champions League, PepsiCo organised the experience for their Cork employees, their families, and charity partners at Cork’s Crann Centre ahead of the final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in London on June 1.

Attendees of all ages took turns to take photos with the trophy on its first-ever visit to Cork during the family-friendly event for its 50for50 campaign celebrating the company’s 50th year in Cork, which doubled as a fundraiser for the Crann Centre, one of PepsiCo’s charity partners.

Following the event, a cheque for €11,600 was handed over to the Crann Centre which will go towards providing vital, lifelong, and life-changing solutions for children, adults, and families living with neuro-physical disabilities.

Plant director of PepsiCo Little Island, Brian Colgan, said: “It’s an honour for everyone involved with PepsiCo to be able to bring the Uefa Champions League trophy to Cork for the very first time, providing people with the opportunity to get their hands on one of the world’s most iconic pieces of silverware.

“In our 50th year, we’re especially proud of the generosity of our employees for their donations to the Crann Centre, which provides an essential service and is a charity that we are all very passionate about.”

Plant director of PepsiCo Carrigaline, Vince Goggin, said: “PepsiCo has always been at the forefront of major sports partnerships worldwide, and the Uefa Champions League is a competition with truly global appeal.

“Through our partnership with the competition, we have been able to create this unique moment for our team here in Cork, but also for a charity that is close to our hearts.

“The local community here in Cork has always been an integral part of PepsiCo’s success, and we are delighted to have been able to share this exciting day with our friends at the Crann Centre.”

CEO of the Crann Centre, Padraig Mallon, said that everyone at the Crann Centre is “grateful” for PepsiCo’s continued support throughout the year.

“Fundraising events like these are vital in allowing us to maintain and improve the levels of service we offer to our families,” he said. “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to share this exciting day with PepsiCo.”