CHICAGO—Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest global collection of independent luxury hotels, announced a partnership with Love146, an international human rights organization whose mission is to end child trafficking and exploitation. Confronting the reality that, according to the International Labor Organization, there are more than 20 million enslaved victims, including millions of children, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has expanded its corporate social responsibility program, GIFTTS—Great Initiatives for Today’s (Tomorrow’s) Society—by committing to help Love146 abolish child trafficking through a combination of financial and educational resources.
To kick off the collaboration, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has made a $20,000 donation to Love146 that will be used towards costs related to victim reintegration at Love146’s Survivor Care programs in the United States and Southeast Asia. In addition, from November 2 through November 13, the company is hosting an auction on Charity Buzz (www.charitybuzz.com/preferredhotels) that invites travelers to bid on the opportunity to book one of 10 available two-night stays at five hotels around the world—Montage Beverly Hills (Calif.), Montage Kapalua Bay (Hawaii), Montage Laguna Beach (Calif.), The Siam (Bangkok), and Hotel Majestic & Spa (Paris)—with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Love146. Opening bids will start at a 50 percent discount on the regular room rate.
Throughout the remainder of 2015, all Preferred Hotels & Resorts associates will undergo Love146’s Child Trafficking Prevention Training. Once equipped with the knowledge and tools on how to recognize and report incidences of human trafficking, the company’s associates will then personally train staff in front-line positions at member hotels globally that are interested in joining the cause.
“Our GIFTTS program is designed to promote socially responsible actions by member hotels and associates, and I could not think of a more important, powerful cause to join than the fight against child trafficking and exploitation,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, President & CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to partner with Love146 to help better educate the hospitality industry and travelers worldwide on this issue and to facilitate opportunities for our associates and hotel partners to collaborate on supporting prevention movements within their local communities.”
“Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and some of these victims are tragically sexually exploited in a hotel. This is preventable,” said Rob Morris, President of Love146. “It is a powerful message that a hotel company is committed to not only provide funding for our work but also to engage in helping us carry out integrated and thoughtful strategies. Preferred Hotels & Resorts is a true model for corporate social activism.”
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