Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products kept busy during the 2024 Christmas season with various philanthropic and promotional giveaways.
CBC supported Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign, ‘The World Needs More Santas” with the ‘Be a Santa to Someone’ holiday giveback.

The public was challenged to nominate an individual who they would consider to be a “community Santa” to win $1,000 before Christmas. They had to describe, in 100 words or less, how this person positively impacts their community. After the nomination window closed, the top 9 nominees were chosen by CBC Team members and the public voted for their ‘Santa’ on CBC’s social media page.
Each nominee possessed amazing qualities and are Santa’s in their communities, in their own right. Ultimately, although the decision wasn’t easy; after much fanfare on social media and a deliberate review of each Santa, Yonell Justilien Bahamas All-Stars band director was chosen as the public’s Santa.

Throughout the nomination process, many students past and present, their parents, colleagues, friends and family members gave an outpouring of praise and love to Mr. Justilien on CBC’s social media age. Here is how Mr. Justilien was described online by those who know him:

“Thank you for teaching my son and others to become respectable members of society. Thank you for showing that you enjoyed your job, even when things got too crazy. Thank you for constantly pushing your students to do better, and for having faith in their abilities as musicians.” F. Russel said about Mr. Justilien on CBC’s social media page.

“Having had the opportunity to work with Mr. J, I can unequivocally concur. A teacher extraordinaire, who possesses a passion for and a commitment to excellence in his element, Music. He is truly deserving of this nomination.” C. Munnings shared in CBC’s comment section.

“Best to ever do it, thank you for seeing my gifts and being a helping hand in the person I am today” T. Ann, former student about Mr. Justilien online.

Continuing the spirit of giving, CBC donated over 200 gifts this holiday season shared amongst the Salvation Army New Providence, Grand Bahama, Turks & Caicos the School for the Blind and students at Garvin Tynes Primary School.

Caribbean Bottling Company donated many gifts to the Salvation Army in their respective islands to ensure members of their youth programs had a jolly Christmas. The gift giving initiative drew the support of many employees and friends who adopted a child or two providing them with gifts. For some, children stated what was on their Christmas wish list and team members took pleasure in granting them their Christmas wish.

In addition to channeling Santa, CBC also hosted Christmas parties in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Turks & Caicos, partnering with each island’s Salvation Army youth programs.

In Freeport, CBC collaborated with local law enforcement at their headquarters during their annual tree lighting event. The event was supported by Coca-Cola and Team members shared treats and branded paraphernalia to attendees along with beverages to keep them refreshed.

The holiday cheer didn’t end there. CBC donated 2,000 sodas to the Great Commission Ministries after reading a notice in the newspaper speaking of needing more donations.

This donation further supported them in their holiday meal drive which is a major initiative they provide to hundreds of Bahamians every year.

As the holidays come to an end, Caribbean Bottling Company is proud of the great work carried out this Christmas season that will undoubtedly leave an impact.