THUNDER BAY – Moving forward on the environment, or in making our world a better place is often seen by many as involving government. It doesn’t have to. The Pepsi Refresh Project is an example of what happens when a company decides to step up and make a difference. The company states, “A new Pepsi poll shows that 92 per cent of Canadians would like to do something to improve the world around them, but many lack the money and the know-how to put their ideas into action”.
So the company has decided to step up and make a difference. “Canadians passionate about change will now have the means to put their ideas into action with the arrival in Canada of the Pepsi Refresh Project, a groundbreaking movement to foster innovation in social good. In the year ahead, Pepsi will give away more than $1 million dollars to help fund Canadians’ ideas for moving the world forward in a positive way”, according to the company.
“The Pepsi Refresh Project will feature significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas, and it was developed with the belief that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, anytime,” said Stacy Reichert, President of PepsiCo Beverages Canada. “This isn’t a campaign; it’s a new way of doing business. It transcends corporate philanthropy or cause marketing, because it’s focused on deep consumer engagement – and the power of individuals’ ideas to make a positive difference with Pepsi’s support.”
Here’s how it will work: Canadians (individuals or organizations) can visit www.refresheverything.ca a website that will go live on April 17, immediately to learn more about the program and to download a Submission Toolkit. Then, on June 1, they can submit their idea for a grant in one of six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighbourhoods and Education. Ideas must be beneficial, achievable, constructive and “shovel-ready”. On July 1, voting opens on the site – meaning that Canadians, not Pepsi, get to decide who has the best ideas and who gets the grants.
Every other month, 10 grants will be awarded to the ideas that secure the most votes from Canadians. $200,000 in grants is available every other month as follows: one $100,000 grant; two $25,000 grants; three $10,000 grants; and four $5,000 grants.
To implement the project, Pepsi is partnering with two expert organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in the world: GOOD , a leading platform for thought and action revolving around pushing the world forward; and Global Giving , an online marketplace that connects people who have community and world-changing ideas with people who can support them.
Additionally, Pepsi has assembled an external panel of innovative thinkers in social good to help guide the program. The Canadian Pepsi Refresh Advisory Board members are luminaries in their field, chosen for their track record of success and commitment to moving the world forward. They include:
- Joey Adler, CEO, ONEXONE; CEO, Diesel Canada
- Akela Peoples, Co-Founder, Youth in Motion
- Tim Draimin, Executive Director, Social Innovation Generation
- Paul Edney, Co-Author, Change The World For 10 Bucks; Executive Director, Inspire Enterprise
- Raymond Ko, Top 20 Under 20 Recipient; Founder, Music Sensory Awakening Program
- Amber MacArthur, Web Consultant, Strategist, Journalist
“All across Canada, people from every walk of life are producing powerful, creative and fun ideas that can create positive change. Pepsi’s Refresh Project is going to help move ideas from wishful thinking to reality – and that’s an incredibly exciting effort to support,” said Joey Adler, Pepsi Refresh Project Canadian Advisory Board Member.
Canadians optimistic about Canada’s future and feel Canada is a leader in creating positive change, Pepsi poll shows
As Pepsi was planning The Pepsi Refresh Project for Canada, the brand commissioned a national consumer poll to better understand Canadians’ views on optimism, empowerment and what holds us back from achieving social good.
A few key poll highlights include:
- Given the opportunity, 92 per centof Canadians would like to do something to help improve the world
- 86 per cent of Canadians are very or moderately optimistic that Canada has a positive future compared to other countries
- Money is the number one thing that holds people back from putting their ideas into action (31 per cent), followed by not knowing how to get started (27 per cent)
- 62 per cent of Canadians feel that Canada is definitely or probably a leader regarding creating change or making a positive difference in the world
“These research insights confirm without a doubt that everyday Canadians are passionate about doing good, and that they need support to move their ideas into action,” said Reichert. “Pepsi is extremely proud to be an enabler for innovation in social good through the Pepsi Refresh Project.”
The door is open, it is now up to interested and engaged citizens to walk through.
The door is open, it is now up to interested and engaged citizens to walk through.