Tag: NGO initiatives

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.

ChildFund Philippines targets to help 5 million children and families by 2026

In a heartwarming display of commitment to the future of Filipino children, ChildFund Philippines recently unveiled their ambitious plan to positively impact the lives of 5 million children and families by 2026. Announced during their “Connection for Impact” event, this initiative is part of ChildFund International’s larger goal of reaching 100 million children and families globally by 2030.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors, featuring insightful discussions from children and youth advocate groups including The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, UNICEF, and the Psychosocial Support and Children’s Rights Resource Center. These organizations highlighted the urgent need for united efforts in creating a sustainable and secure future for Filipino youth.

Scaling Up for Greater Impact

Anand Vishwakarma, the Country Director of ChildFund Philippines, articulated the organization’s vision: “We aim to scale up our efforts to address the evolving challenges faced by Filipino children and youth. Together with our partners, we are driven by the urgent need to create broader and more sustainable impacts through collaborative efforts.”

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During the event held at Marco Polo Ortigas, Anand Vishwakarma, CEO and Country Director of ChildFund Philippines, announced the organization’s goal to reach 5 million Filipino children and families by 2026 and every year thereafter.

In 2023 alone, ChildFund’s initiatives reached 21 provinces, 35 cities and municipalities, and 365 barangays. Working alongside 11 local partners, they supported a remarkable total of 54 million children, youth, and adults.

Holistic Support from Early Childhood to Adulthood

ChildFund’s approach is comprehensive, focusing on key areas such as education, health, skill development, livelihoods, child protection, and climate action. From ensuring that children under five are healthy and secure, to providing education that builds personal agency, and equipping young adults with skills for employment, the organization supports Filipino children through all stages of life.

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ChildFund Philippines recently gathered partners from communities and civil service organizations to share milestones in supporting Filipino children and youth. (L-R: Allan Lee Nuñez, Advocacy and Child Protection Specialist of ChildFund Philippines; Carla Santos, President of The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms; Dr. Ma. Bella Ponferrada, Nutrition Specialist of UNICEF; Dr. Elizabeth Protacio-De Castro, Executive Director of the Psychosocial Support and Children’s Rights Resource Center; Francis Joseph Dela Cruz. Partnership Advocacy Adviser of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; Anand Vishwakarma, CEO and Country Director of ChildFund Philippines; and Kim Garcia, Business Development Officer of ChildFund Philippines.)

Its Project Advancement of Children’s Inclusive Education through Virtual Engagement (ACHIEVE) has already made strides by supporting 610 learners with disabilities through virtual engagement and developing an e-learning platform that enhanced children’s participation. Additionally, neighborhood play programs have been established in remote communities to ensure early childhood care and development. The youth are also guided in making informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health, and through the Job Opportunity Building for Youth (JOB for Youth program), 396 young people have received training in industry and technopreneurship.

Empowering Youth in Disaster Preparedness

ChildFund’s Children and Youth-led Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CYDRM) program engages children and youth in disaster risk management and climate action, promoting their active involvement in creating safer communities. Project  Relief Allocation Management, Distribution and Monitoring (RAMDAM) further enhances transparency in disaster relief through innovative, technology-based interventions.

How You Can Make a Difference

ChildFund Philippines launched the #FunOfAKind campaign, inviting everyone to contribute their “time, talent, and treasure” to support their programs. This campaign aims to:

  • Provide inclusive education for indigenous children in BARMM through the Bajau Ongka-kumpit for Access and Transition to School (BOAT School) program.
  • Enhance social and emotional learning and promote safe learning environments.
  • Withdraw children from the worst forms of child labor.
  • Engage youth in leading Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) initiatives.
  • Advocate for the nationwide adoption of the RAMDAM disaster response app.

“The challenges faced by Filipino children are complex,” Vishwakarma emphasized. “By working together – government, businesses, non-government organizations, and concerned citizens – we can achieve far better outcomes for them.”

Get Involved

ChildFund Philippines offers numerous ways for you to get involved and make a meaningful impact. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your contribution can help transform the lives of millions of children and families across the Philippines.

For more information on how to get involved, visit ChildFund Philippines.

About ChildFund Philippines

ChildFund Philippines is a dedicated NGO working to break the cycle of poverty for children and youth since the 1970s. As a program office of ChildFund International, they collaborate with 11 local partners across 20 provinces to ensure the safety, health, education, and skill development of children. Their advocacy includes the prevention of child labor and online sexual exploitation, alongside significant efforts in climate action to safeguard the future of the younger generation.

Header image by creativeart on Freepik