Starbucks Expands its Community Connections
Starbucks reaffirms its commitment to create thriving neighborhoods in Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon, July 4, 2011 –
Starbucks has recently teamed up with the Youth Association for Social Awareness (YASA) to raise awareness on road safety and security in local Lebanese schools and universities.
A joint activity was conducted by Starbucks in Lebanon, and took place in Rio City with Starbucks partners and YASA management working together to train a group of 90 students from Sagesse High School (SHS) – Active Citizen Project on the dangers of reckless driving and traffic crashes. These students were chosen after they did various YASA interventions during the year as part of the Public Awareness Week for the Active Citizen Project of SHS Grade 6 students.
After YASA gave an interactive presentation explaining safe driving measures, students accompanied by Starbucks volunteers were taken to drive mini cars around Rio City’s circuit to practice the safe driving measures they learned.
“Our positive commitment to the local communities in which Starbucks operates is an integral part of our mission and strategy. In Lebanon, we are proud of our partnerships with reputable NGO’s such as the Youth Association for Social Awareness (YASA). Now Starbucks partners can join YASA volunteers to teach kids safe driving and road rules, and prepare them to become the responsible drivers of tomorrow,” said Rana Shaheen, Regional Communications & CSR Manager, for Starbucks MENA.
Ziad Akl, president of YASA International said: “Lebanon witnesses a yearly increase in car crashes that ranges between 12 and 17 percent. It is the responsibility of the civil society to enhance awareness among the Lebanese. Everyone including the private sector, media, schools, parents and centers need to team up to raise awareness on car crashes, especially among kids, the responsible drivers of tomorrow. I am very proud of Starbucks partner’s involvement in the project’s success and ambitious about our new partnership with Starbucks.”
Starbucks aims to help create positive, sustainable change in communities in the Middle East with a focus on benefiting youth and the environment. Starbucks is working with local and regional nonprofit organizations in different countries on a variety of community projects.
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