I’d Like to Buy the World a…..Pepsi
September 29, 2008 by James Hipps · Leave a Comment
PepsiCo has pushed aside boycott threats from Donald E. Wildmon’s hate and bigotry group, the AFA. and have decided to donate $500,000 to a PLFAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). The money donated to PFLAG will be used to develop and support the Straight for Equality program. The donation allow an expansion of workplace training, support chapter-based projects and fund the creation of new Straight for Equality outreach tools.
According to Jody M. Huckaby, executive directory of PFLAG, “PepsiCo has provided PFLAG with an enormous gift, and an unparalleled opportunity, to demonstrate the power we have to create change, no matter where we are, or who we are. Because of the Foundation’s generosity and commitment, we now have the resources to produce materials for our chapters to use in their communities, and to create critically important conversations, in every corner of our country.”
PFLAG launched the Straight for Equality program, which is designed to reach the straight ally who doesn’t necessarily have a family connection in the traditional PFLAG sense back in October 2007. The program’s focus is to reach new potential allies who share PFLAG’s commitment to equality for all.
“The challenge wasn’t just figuring out how to talk to these potential supporters,” said PFLAG national president John Cepek. He added, “It was about finding the place where, on a national level, we could get the conversation started, and keep up the momentum moving forward.”
The PepsiCo Foundation gift, the company said, is intended to continue building and implementing the unique Straight for Equality approach to relationship building.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with PFLAG,” stated Jacqueline Millan, Director of PepsiCo Corporate Contributions.
“The Straight for Equality in the Workplace training program is unique in that it is promoting the necessary message of inclusion to untapped groups within the local community, and that is a crucial step towards building a healthy working environment.”
