Tag: charity

IHG Hotels & Resorts joins forces with Action Against Hunger to combat global food insecurity

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, recently announced a new multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger. This collaboration aims to support the organization’s crucial work in combating food insecurity and hunger affecting millions worldwide.

The Partnership

In this new venture, IHG Hotels & Resorts commits to a multi-year partnership, providing vital support and funding for Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programs. A particular emphasis will be placed on screening initiatives designed to identify early signs of malnutrition in children, offering lifesaving treatment through local community outreach programs.

The Problem

Globally, one in three people are unsure where their next meal will come from. Factors like poverty, conflict, inefficient food systems, and climate change exacerbate this issue. IHG, with its extensive presence across more than 100 countries, has long been involved in improving food security, disaster relief efforts, and skills training as part of their “Journey to Tomorrow” responsible business plan, aiming to better the lives of 30 million people.

Impact and Goals

IHG will raise awareness of food insecurity among its millions of guests worldwide, offering them the chance to donate IHG One Rewards points to support the cause. For instance, every 10,000 points donated can screen approximately 124 children for malnutrition, a crucial first step towards providing the necessary care. On average, 7,500 points can support a malnourished child with nutritious food for six weeks, helping them return to health.

“Food sits at the heart of our hotels and hospitality, nourishing people and communities. Sadly, we know it remains in desperately short supply for millions, despite enough being produced to feed everyone on the planet,” said Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts. “This is a problem the world can solve if societies, organizations, and businesses work together. IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to partner with Action Against Hunger on their lifesaving work, in addition to the many other long-standing partnerships we have with incredible charities in local markets. Collectively, we want to help create lasting change in a world where people are nourished, always welcome, and always respected.”

Ashwini Kakkar, Chair of Action Against Hunger International Network, added, “While hunger is a widespread challenge, for the first time in human history, we have the ability to end chronic hunger for everyone, for good. Realizing that vision will take bold action, and we are grateful for IHG’s will, wisdom, and leadership in advancing this vital cause. Hunger makes it harder for hundreds of millions of people around the world to learn, work, dream, and realize their full potential. IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where every life is well nourished.”

IHG’s Broader Commitment

This partnership is part of IHG’s broader mission to provide True Hospitality for Good. It complements existing collaborations aimed at strengthening community food systems— from offering training and tools to reduce food waste to diverting surplus food to those in need. IHG’s other food security partnerships include local food banks, No Kid Hungry in the US, OzHarvest in Australia, VietHarvest in Vietnam, and Too Good To Go in Europe.

IHG Hotels & Resorts invites guests and stakeholders to join this vital cause. By donating IHG One Rewards points, everyone can contribute to a world where no one has to worry about their next meal. Together, we can make a significant impact on global hunger, ensuring that everyone, everywhere, is well-nourished and thriving.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Sony Music Entertainment Philippines gives back this holiday season with ‘season of giving’ campaign

Sony Music Entertainment Philippines and popular band NOBITA have partnered with Reach Out and Feed Philippines to support local communities impacted by hunger this holiday season. 

This comes as part of Sony Music Group’s global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, where the company and its artists are giving back to every local community in which Sony Music Group (SMG) operates. Across the world, SMG is supporting global organizations dedicated to providing aid for those facing food insecurity, homelessness and refugee support, as well as music industry relief and educational programs for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This also follows the support provided through the Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, to move the needle in broadening opportunities for underserved communities worldwide. In October, the company partnered with SPARK! Philippines to champion young women’s rights through music and film.

Beginning in the month of November, the Season of Giving program saw SMG committing sizeable amounts in each geography where the Company conducts business: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Continental Europe, Latin America, United Kingdom, and the United States.

In the Philippines, non-profit organization Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc., which provides food aid to children who have little or no access to nutritious food, had its outreach efforts hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the typhoons that struck the Philippines over the past two years. With this funding, Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. will be acquiring mobile kitchens that can provide meals to vulnerable communities where needed, reaching more children and their families through the organization’s ongoing feeding and nourishment programs.   

Anna Pauline Castro, Executive Director of Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc., said, “The funding from Sony Music Group will be a great help in pushing forward with our school and community outreach programs. We expect these mobile kitchens to reach 1,000 children and their households on ongoing feeding programs, as well as families affected by the pandemic and recent typhoons, to provide them with nutritious meals.” 

“Ultimately, we hope that this will bring us closer to realizing our vision of seeing every Filipino child healthy, nourished, and empowered to reach their maximum potential for growth and learning.”

As a band that actively gives back to society, NOBITA also partnered with Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. to support outreach efforts and put on an intimate concert for some of the children who are beneficiaries of the organization. 

NOBITA said, “It means a lot to be part of a label that strives to make a positive impact on society by reaching out to underserved communities. We are truly glad to have had the chance to spend time volunteering with Reach Out and Feed Philippines – seeing smiles from children and families whilst connecting with them through music was an unforgettable experience for us.”

In speaking of the seasonal initiative, Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Impact, Sony Music Group, said, “Globally, SMG is committed to supporting local communities throughout the year. For the holiday season, we wanted to bring extra support and relief aid to those in need and dedicate our efforts to more than three million people worldwide. We’re grateful to our artists and international partner organizations who work on-the-ground to provide direct assistance to their neighbors.”   

In addition to NOBITA, notable artists and songwriters who volunteered with partner organizations in their communities during a series of in-person events include India Shawn (Epic Records), Tyler Shaw (SME Canada), Kobie Dee (SMP Australia), Tom Wilson (SMP Canada) – who volunteered with partner organizations in their own communities during a series of in-person events. 

This campaign represents the Company’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to forge partnerships and support communities that need it most, inside and outside the music industry. For ‘Season of Giving’, every global organization selected to receive funding was determined by a group of global stakeholders including the Company’s internal task forces, legal and public policy teams. Learn more about SMG’s giving approach here.