Huffington Post: Cher Sends Thousands Of Water Bottles To Flint Amid Crisis
Legendary pop diva Cher said she's sending more than 180,000 bottles of water to Flint, Michigan, after it came to national attention that residents had been exposed to contaminated water for over a year.
"I cannot wait for the water to get there to help these people who have been poisoned, because the water they’ve been getting out of their taps has been polluted for so long and remains that way without the state or the federal government stepping in with any substantial plan to resolve this problem,” Cher said in a press release from Icelandic Glacial released on Saturday.
The water bottles were trucked out on Monday and are due to arrive Wednesday at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. From there, according to the press release, the water will be sent directly to community centers, food banks and fire houses "focusing in on low-income housing areas where 40% of Flint’s population is living below the poverty line."
The plastic bottles will also be recycled, and the earnings will be donated to the city's food banks.
When the dire water situation in Flint became national news at the beginning of this month, Cher voiced her frustration on Twitter, criticizing Gov. Rick Snyder (R) for ignoring the situation, which has been ongoing since April 2014.
Following her announcement, Cher has continued to use her Twitter account, which has over 2.9 million followers, to push for further investigation into the contaminated water and to call on other artists to send aid.
CHER AND ICELANDIC GLACIAL™ JOIN FORCES TO SUPPLY WATER TO FLINT, MICHIGAN RESIDENTS
Water Scheduled to Start Arriving Next Week
January 16, 2016 – Los Angeles, CA – Cher announced today that with the help of Icelandic Glacial™, she is donating 181,440 bottles of water to the wonderful people of Flint, Michigan.
After reading about the catastrophic situation in Flint, a city of 100,000 people who have not had clean water in over a year, Cher contacted her friend Brad Horwitz, an investor in Icelandic Glacial, who reached out to the company’s Chairman and Co-Founder, Jon Olafsson, about Cher’s desire to purchase water for Flint’s residents. Icelandic Glacial committed to doubling Cher’s purchase which is being trucked in to Michigan beginning Monday, January 18th.
The water will reach The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (www.fbem.org) beginning Wednesday, January 20th. FBEM will immediately begin the distribution process to those who need it most for drinking, cooking and washing. The water will go directly to community centers, food banks and fire houses focusing in on low income housing areas where 40% of Flint’s population is living below the poverty line. The bottles, once finished, will return to the food banks and will be recycled with money raised going right back into the food banks.
Cher has been an outspoken critic of the state’s lack of response and commitment to Flint while children were being poisoned by the toxic water through her Instagram and Twitter accounts for the last several weeks.
“This a tragedy of staggering proportion and shocking that it’s happening in the middle of our country. I am so grateful that Icelandic Glacial has come on-board to help the city of Flint. I cannot wait for the water to get there to help these people who have been poisoned because the water they’ve been getting out of their taps has been polluted for so long and remains that way without the state or the federal government stepping in with any substantial plan to resolve this problem,” commented Cher.
“We are humbled and honored to help the people of Flint get through this crisis,” said Jon Olafsson. “Together with Cher, we also hope to raise awareness to help get the families of Flint the assistance they need during this difficult time.”
About Icelandic Glacial™
Icelandic Glacial is the super-premium natural spring water, bottled at the source from Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, which was formed more than 5,000 years ago and is shielded from pollution by an impenetrable barrier of lava rock. The spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial possesses exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally alkaline pH of 8.4. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon neutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy to fuel its production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint.
About the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
Serving local families in need since 1981, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has grown to provide over 25 million pounds of food each year through more than 415 partner agencies in 22 counties. Partner agencies consist of local soup kitchens, homeless shelters and food pantries who strive to feed more than 300,000 people who struggle with hunger throughout eastern Michigan. For more information, visit www.fbem.org.
Press Contact
For Cher:
liz@lizrosenbergmedia.com
Press contact
For Icelandic Glacial:
John Filizzola
john@co-opagency.com
310.734.7834
Icelandic Glacial™ Announces Distribution in Puerto Rico with Distribuidora Vazquez
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – January 12 , 2015 – Icelandic Glacial™, the naturally alkaline, super-premium spring water from Iceland, announces its partnership with Distribuidora Vazquez, a leading food and beverage distributor in Puerto Rico. Beginning immediately, Distribuidora Vazquez will distribute Icelandic Glacial to retail outlets throughout Puerto Rico.
Established in 1983, Distribuidora Vazquez is a family owned and operated company composed of over 48 retail outlets throughout Puerto Rico. Don Pedro Vazquez, Founder and Owner, spent thirty years in New York and was the successful owner of two Met Food supermarkets before he decided to return to his home island of Puerto Rico to develop his own company.
“We are pleased to announce Distribuidora Vazquez as our new distributor in Puerto Rico,” said Jon Olafsson, Chairman and Co-Founder of Icelandic Glacial. “With over 32 years of experience distributing major brands, we are confident that they will help to build the Icelandic Glacial brand throughout the country.”
Renowned for its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from the legendary Ölfus Spring in Iceland, providing customers with the highest level quality of natural spring water. The company delivers the world’s first CarbonNeutral® bottled water with a net-zero carbon footprint and has a naturally occurring alkaline pH level of 8.4, providing a clean, fresh taste with the perfect healthy balance for the body.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Icelandic Glacial,” said Don Pedro Vazquez. “We are looking forward to introducing the industry's premier water to Puerto Rico.”
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About Icelandic Glacial™
Icelandic Glacial is the super-premium natural spring water from the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Home to glaciers, spouting geysers, volcanoes and raging rivers, Iceland is one of the world’s cleanest ecosystems. Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, which was formed more than 5,000 years ago and is shielded from pollution by an impenetrable barrier of lava rock. The spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial possesses exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally alkaline pH of 8.4.
The Ölfus Spring is constantly replenished by rain, snow and ice-melt from the nearby mountains. As such, it has been deemed certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading beverage consultancy. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon neutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy to fuel its production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint.
As a testament to its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial has been selected by Christian Dior as the exclusive hydration agent in the Diorsnow line of skin care products.
For more information, visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com. Follow us at Facebook.com/IcelandicGlacial, Instagram @IcelandicGlacial and Twitter @IcelandicWater.
Happy Holidays!
The holiday season is my favorite time of year. It is a season of giving, and at Icelandic Glacial, we take great pride in partnering with and donating to various charitable organizations not only during this time, but all year round. I believe it is also a time for us to reflect on our journies, count our blessings, and recognize our accomplishments. It has been nothing short of an incredible year for us, and that is all thanks to you – our friends and family. We continue to grow as a company, expanding our footprint around the world which has given us the opportunity to share a piece of Iceland with over 20 countries. We’ve certainly come a long way!
Another reason I enjoy the holidays is because it is a time when all of my loved ones come together to celebrate in true Icelandic fashion. In Iceland, we have many Christmas traditions that are still followed today. For the last 60 years, the season has officially begun with the lighting of the Oslo tree – a tree brought to the city of Reykjavik each year from our friends in Norway. Thousands of Icelanders come together to enjoy the festivities in the heart of the city.
Another tradition we celebrate in Iceland is that everyone is gifted a book on Christmas Eve. We refer to the months leading up to Christmas as Jolabokaflod, or the Christmas Book Flood, as sales increase drastically because of this time-honored tradition. I have been given a book every year for as long as I can remember, and this is something my family still enjoys today.
Lastly, something unique to Iceland are the Icelandic Yule Lads. The Yule Lads originate from Icelandic folklore, and legend has it that they visit during the 13 days leading up to Christmas, leaving surprises in children’s shoes and even playing pranks at times. From Spoon-Licker to Sausage Swiper, the Yule Lads are interesting characters and something we all have fun with over the holidays.
Wherever you are in the world and whatever traditions you may celebrate, we wish you a happy holiday season. Be sure to check in after the new year as we will have very exciting news to share.
- Jon Olafsson, Chairman and Co-Founder
Icelandic Glacial™ Announces Distribution in Colombia with Bebida Logística S.A.S.
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – November 3, 2015 – Icelandic Glacial™, the naturally alkaline, super-premium spring water from Iceland, announces its partnership with Bebida Logística S.A.S., Colombia’s premium beverage distributor. Beginning immediately, Bebida Logística S.A.S., will distribute Icelandic Glacial to both on and off-premise channels throughout Colombia.
“We are pleased to announce Bebida Logística S.A.S. as our new distributor in Colombia,” said Jon Olafsson, Chairman and Co-Founder of Icelandic Glacial. “It’s an exciting time for us as we continue to expand globally, and we are thrilled to partner with Bebida Logística S.A.S. to share a piece of Iceland with Colombia through our award-winning, premium natural spring water.”
Renowned for its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from the legendary Ölfus Spring in Iceland, providing customers with the highest level quality of natural spring water. The company delivers the world’s first CarbonNeutral® bottled water with a net-zero carbon footprint and has a naturally occurring alkaline pH level of 8.4, providing a clean fresh taste with the perfect healthy balance for the body.
“We are very excited to include Icelandic Glacial in our portfolio of premium beverages,” said Carlos Bernal, Owner, Bebida Logística S.A.S. “Our company has been in the business for 13 years and has helped to launch top brands across the country. We are confident that our experienced team will help establish Icelandic Glacial as a premium water brand in Colombia.”
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About Icelandic Glacial™
Icelandic Glacial is the super-premium natural spring water from the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Home to glaciers, spouting geysers, volcanoes and raging rivers, Iceland is one of the world’s cleanest ecosystems. Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, which was formed more than 5,000 years ago and is shielded from pollution by an impenetrable barrier of lava rock. The spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial possesses exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally alkaline pH of 8.4.
The Ölfus Spring is constantly replenished by rain, snow and ice-melt from the nearby mountains. As such, it has been deemed certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading beverage consultancy. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon neutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy to fuel its production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint.
As a testament to its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial has been selected by Christian Dior as the exclusive hydration agent in the Diorsnow line of skin care products.
For more information, visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com. Follow us at Facebook.com/IcelandicGlacial, Instagram @IcelandicGlacial and Twitter @IcelandicWater.
Icelandic Glacial™ Announces Strategic Partnership with the Arctic Circle Assembly
Culver City, California – October 16, 2015 – Icelandic Glacial™, the naturally alkaline, super-premium spring water from Iceland, is proud to announce its continued strategic partnership with the Arctic Circle, an annual open assembly which takes place each October in Reykjavik, Iceland.
More than 1500 participants, including political and business leaders, environmentalists, scientists, activists and indigenous representatives from over 50 countries, are expected to attend this year’s assembly which takes place from October 16-18. The program encourages dialogue between individuals and organizations on a number of topics which include sustainable development, clean energy, and climate change in an effort to strengthen the international focus on the future of the Arctic.
“We are pleased to support the Arctic Circle Assembly once again,” said Jon Olafsson, Chairman and Co-Founder of Icelandic Glacial. “Sustainability and environmental conservation are a part of Icelandic Glacial’s DNA, and we are proud to partner with the Arctic Circle in their mission to confront the Arctic’s greatest challenges as their message and goals are perfectly aligned with ours.”
Renowned for its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from the legendary, sustainable Ölfus Spring in Iceland, providing consumers with the highest level quality of natural spring water. Icelandic Glacial is the world’s first bottled water certified as Carbon Neutral for product and operation – an unprecedented move in the beverage industry. The CarbonNeutral® Company independently calculates and verifies the carbon footprint of companies and works with them to offset any remaining carbon emissions through renewable energy projects worldwide. Icelandic Glacial’s completely sustainable operation is fueled entirely by geothermal and hydroelectric power. Additionally, Icelandic Glacial uses efficient shipping methods utilizing otherwise empty cargo space on vessels already scheduled to return to the United States and other parts of Europe.
For more information on Icelandic Glacial, please visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com.
About Icelandic Glacial™
Icelandic Glacial is the super-premium natural spring water from the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Home to glaciers, spouting geysers, volcanoes and raging rivers, Iceland is one of the world’s cleanest ecosystems. Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, which was formed more than 5,000 years ago and is shielded from pollution by an impenetrable barrier of lava rock. The spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial possesses exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally high alkaline pH level of 8.4.
The Ölfus Spring is constantly replenished by rain, snow and ice-melt from the nearby mountains. As such, it has been deemed certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading beverage consultancy. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon neutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy to fuel production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint.
As a testament to its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial has been selected by Christian Dior as the exclusive hydration agent in the Diorsnow line of skin care products.
For more information, visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com. Follow us at Facebook.com/IcelandicGlacial, Instagram @IcelandicGlacial and Twitter @IcelandicWater.
Icelandic Glacial™ Water Announces Distribution in Vons and Pavilions
Icelandic Glacial™ Water continues to expand distribution in fine groceries nationwide
Culver City, California – September 30, 2015 – Icelandic Glacial™, the naturally alkaline, super-premium spring water from Iceland, announces its retail partnership with Vons and Pavilions stores across California and Nevada. Now available in all locations, Icelandic Glacial continues to be one of the fastest growing premium bottled waters in the United States.
“We are very happy to announce our newest retail partnership with Vons and Pavilions,” said Jon Olafsson, Chairman and Co-Founder of Icelandic Glacial. “We’re pleased to be able to make our award-winning, premium natural spring water available in these additional fine groceries.”
In addition to the partnership with Vons and Pavilions that further cements the company’s U.S. retail footprint, Icelandic Glacial expanded distribution throughout this summer on the east coast to Fairway Markets and Duane Reade, and on the west coast in Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods. The company’s rising presence within the U.S. market at select fine groceries coast to coast makes the premium water brand a well-known and desirable contender for American consumers.
“It has been a remarkable year for Icelandic Glacial as we continue to expand our national footprint," said Reza Mirza, Chief Executive Officer of Icelandic Glacial. “We remain focused on growing distribution at key retailers, and we are thrilled that our incredible water is more available to consumers than ever before.”
Renowned for its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from the legendary Ölfus Spring in Iceland, providing customers with the highest level quality of natural spring water. The company also delivers the world’s first CarbonNeutral® bottled water with a net-zero carbon footprint and has a naturally occurring alkaline pH level of 8.4, providing a clean fresh taste with the perfect healthy balance for the body.
For more information on Icelandic Glacial™ Water, please visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com.
About Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water™
Icelandic Glacial is the super-premium natural spring water from the “Land Of Fire and Ice”. Home to glaciers, spouting geysers, volcanoes and raging rivers, Iceland is one of the world’s cleanest ecosystems. Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, which was formed more than 5,000 years ago and is shielded from pollution by an impenetrable barrier of lava rock. The spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial possesses exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally high alkaline pH level of 8.4.
The Ölfus Spring is constantly replenished by rain, snow and ice-melt from the nearby mountains. As such, it has been deemed certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading beverage consultancy. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon neutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy to fuel production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint.
As a testament to its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial has been selected by Christian Dior as the exclusive hydration agent in the Diorsnow line of skin care products.
For more information, visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com. Follow us on Twitter @IcelandicWater, Facebook.com/IcelandicGlacial and on Instagram @IcelandicGlacial.
Icelandic Glacial is Thrilled to Announce the Launch of Its Digital Advertising Campaign: “Discover Iceland’s Greatest Natural Resource.”
Icelandic Glacial, the exceptionally pure and naturally alkaline water from Iceland, is thrilled to announce the launch of its digital advertising campaign: “Discover Iceland’s Greatest Natural Resource.” The campaign highlights the journey from the majestic Ölfus Spring, the source of Icelandic Glacial, to bottle.
Icelandic Glacial™ Appoints CFO, Sveinn Andri Sveinsson, as General Manager, Iceland
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – September 1, 2015– Icelandic Glacial™ the naturally alkaline, super-premium spring water from Iceland, today announced that it has appointed CFO, Sveinn Andri Sveinsson, as General Manager, Iceland. Sveinn Andri will oversee all of the company’s activities in Iceland while continuing to serve as CFO. Until now, the management team in Iceland reported directly to Chairman and Co-Founder, Jon Olafsson, however as the company grows on a global level, Olafsson sees opportunity for additional focus on international markets.
“We are pleased to name CFO, Sveinn Andri Sveinsson, as General Manager, Iceland,” said Olafsson. “We are confident that his thorough and professional approach along with his years of experience will make him highly successful in his new role.”
Sveinn Andri has over 20 years of accounting and financial management experience in the IT and media sectors and helped to restructure Icebank during Iceland’s recent financial crisis. He joined the Icelandic Glacial team as CFO in 2009.
“I am thrilled and honored to accept the role as General Manager, Iceland in addition to my current responsibilities as CFO,” commented Sveinsson. “I look forward to leading our outstanding team in Iceland during this exciting time as we continue to grow as a brand worldwide.”
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About Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water
Icelandic Glacial is the super-premium natural spring water from Iceland, home to glaciers, spouting geysers, volcanoes and raging rivers, Iceland is one of the world’s cleanest ecosystems. Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, which was formed more than 5,000 years ago and is shielded from pollution by an impenetrable barrier of lava rock. The Spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial possesses exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally high alkaline pH level of 8.4.
The Ölfus Spring is constantly replenished by rain, snow and ice-melt from the nearby mountains. As such, it has been deemed certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading beverage consultancy. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon neutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy to fuel production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint.
As a testament to its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial has been selected by Christian Dior as the exclusive hydration agent in the Diorsnow line of skin care products.
For more information, visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com. Follow us on Twitter @IcelandicWater, Facebook.com/IcelandicGlacial and Instagram @IcelandicGlacial.
How Did Icelandic Glacial Come to Be Certified as Carbon Neutral for Product and Operation?
I am often asked how Icelandic Glacial came to be certified as Carbon Neutral for both product and operation – an unprecedented move in the beverage industry. As discussed in my last post, growing up in Iceland, where environmental conservation is a priority to its people, shaped the way I live my life both personally and professionally. We take great pride in running an environmentally friendly company, and since 2007, Icelandic Glacial has worked with The CarbonNeutral® Company, a leading carbon emissions consultant to maintain a net-zero carbon footprint. The CarbonNeutral Company independently calculates and verifies our carbon footprint and then works closely with us to offset any remaining carbon emissions.
Under the guidance of The CarbonNeutral Company, Icelandic Glacial takes several steps to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible.
- Our sustainable operation is fueled entirely by geothermal and hydroelectric power.
- Our packaging is 100% recyclable and our bottles are BPA-free made from recycled rPET plastic.
- We utilize otherwise empty cargo space on vessels returning to the United States and other parts of Europe as the most efficient means of shipping.
To offset any remaining net carbon emissions, we invest in bona fide renewable energy projects worldwide. Currently, we are investing in the following:
Chengshan Wind Power project (China)
Improved Mexican Cookstoves (Mexico)
Seneca Meadows Landfill project (USA)
We are committed to sharing our water with the world with minimal environmental impact and will continue to work closely with The CarbonNeutral Company in the years to come.
To find out more about our environmental credentials, please click here.
- Jon Olafsson, Chairman and Co-Founder