Derry's R.E.A.C.H. Across awarded grant to launch ‘PALS’ leadership initiative

Local youth organization R.E.A.C.H. Across has been named a recipient of the 2025 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund, securing an £8,500 grant to support cross-community youth development in the western region.

Now in its 15th year, the Fund has awarded a total of €200,000 (£174,400) to 14 non-profit organizations across the island of Ireland. R.E.A.C.H. Across was selected for its commitment to empowering young people (aged 16-25) who face barriers to opportunity and rising living costs.

The £8,500 grant will specifically fund the PALS project, a comprehensive initiative designed to equip the project’s Junior Leaders with essential life and employability skills. Participants will gain their OCN level 2 in Leadership, engage in skills based and social awareness workshops, and plan and deliver a social action project.

R.E.A.C.H. Across operates as a vital cross-community bridge, providing vulnerable young people from areas of disadvantage with the guidance needed to increase their social awareness and employability.

Speaking on the importance of the Fund and its ongoing impact on young people and communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland, Amruta Vaidya, Country Manager, Coca-Cola Ireland said: “As we celebrate 15 years of the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund, we’re proud to support 14 local community organisations that are truly making a difference. 

"These groups are at the heart of their communities, creating real impact where it matters most. With a strong local presence through our teams and operations in Ireland and Northern Ireland, Coca-Cola is committed to investing in local communities.  

“Working with our partner, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, these grants go beyond funding, they represent a meaningful investment in young people’s futures, empowering them to take positive action, build essential life skills, and feel valued and included in their local communities.” 

Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, added: “The resilience and passion of young people across the island of Ireland continues to inspire us. Together with our partners, Coca-Cola Ireland, we are strongly rooted in our local communities and are delighted to provide resources through the Thank You Fund that enable these young leaders to grow, thrive, and succeed. This year’s recipients are a great example of how inclusive, supportive programmes can foster social connections and help build confidence for brighter futures.”  

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Operating in partnership with YouthAction Northern Ireland, Sheila Morris, Senior Leader at YouthAction Northern Ireland, concluded: “The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has remained focused on empowering local youth services for 15 years. This year, we were once again impressed by the quality and standard of applications received, reflecting the dedication and innovation within local community youth work across the island.

"The recipients demonstrate how targeted, community-driven initiatives can open doors for young people who face significant challenges. We look forward to seeing the difference these projects will make in local communities right across Ireland. For many young people, access to these supports can be genuinely life changing.”