ORLANDO, FLA.—Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. continues the fight to end hunger by donating more than 101,000 pounds of food as a result of their global food drive, Harvest for Hunger. From November 1 through 30, non-perishable food items were donated by associates, owners and guests at participating Marriott Vacation Club resorts and at Marriott Vacations Worldwide offices around the world. All donations benefitted local food banks near the resorts and offices.
These efforts were in addition to the initiative associates from around the globe came together for back in September to help their fellow associates at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove located in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. These associates were left in need by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide associates “Filled the Containers” with over 10,000 pounds of basic supplies that have been difficult to find on the island since the hurricanes. In addition, the company decided to send a special surprise—all 135 associates received generators to help provide partial power to their homes, with full power not anticipated to be restored for many months.
“I am so proud of how our associates have come together to not only help their fellow associates in St. Thomas but also help those facing hunger in their local communities through these two initiatives,” said Stephen P. Weisz, President and CEO. “The generosity shown by our associates this year is nothing short of amazing, and they truly make Marriott Vacations Worldwide an extraordinary place to work. We are continuing to make a difference in our communities where we live and work.”
Successful Inaugural Year
In its inaugural year, Harvest for Hunger collected over 50,000 pounds of food company-wide in 2015 with the support of sites and offices located around the world. In 2016, Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Marriott Vacation Club properties surpassed the previous year’s donation by 18 percent; exceeding their goal of 30 tons of food. And in 2017, the company topped their goal of 40 tons of food and improved on the 2016 donation by 62 percent.
Globally, nearly 800 million people are at risk of hunger—this includes children, seniors, families and military veterans. Marriott Vacations Worldwide is committed to giving back to the communities in which their associates live and work and in which their owners and guests vacation. Marriott Vacations Worldwide celebrates the “Spirit to Serve” by serving its communities to support these signature issues:
- Shelter and food;
- Environment;
- Readiness for hospitality careers;
- Vitality for children; and
- Embracing global diversity and inclusion.
