Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has awarded Geelong-based charity Our Village (formerly Geelong Mums) a $4,000 grant as part of its Your Community, Your Choice program, an initiative that champions local organisations driving a meaningful difference.
The grassroots grant program encourages hotel franchisees within the network to nominate a local charity to receive a community grant. Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments, an Ascend Collection Hotel, proudly nominated Our Village for its outstanding work collecting and distributing essential baby and children’s items to those in need.
Our Village CEO, Ruth Holdaway, said the grant was a wonderful surprise and that having the support of Choice Hotels is deeply valued.
“Being nominated and then successfully selected for a Your Community, Your Choice grant was incredibly encouraging for our team. Support from local businesses like Bayside Geelong, an Ascend Collection Hotel, allows us to continue providing our vital services,” Ruth said.
“Our Village’s concept is simple – we take people's pre-loved nursery and baby items, then have our 600-plus volunteers sort, clean, refurbish and safety check every item, then partner with health professionals to rehome these essentials to vulnerable babies and children.
"Thanks to this grant, this Christmas, some of the most vulnerable babies in our community will be sleeping in safe cots, travelling in safe car seats, have warm and appropriate clothes to wear, and so much more. This support also shows parents and carers that they are seen, cared for and not alone as they face tough challenges.
“Christmas is our busiest time of the year, and we’re working harder than ever to get urgently needed items out to families in crisis. We want every child to feel the magic and joy of Christmas, which is why donations to our current Festive Appeal are so important. Even something as simple as a book or small toy can make a world of difference.”
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac’s Senior Director Commercial and Revenue Management Kari Hunter said Our Village was chosen for its valuable work in the local community.
“Our Village’s tireless work has a tangible impact on individuals and families in the Geelong community, and we’re proud to support the team to extend its programs that help local parents facing hardship,” Kari said.
“Choice Hotels’ franchisees – including Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments, an Ascend Collection Hotel are at the heart of their communities. The Your Community, Your Choice initiative allows them to support organisations they see doing important, on-the-ground work in their own city or region.”
Four grants of $4,000 each were awarded across Australia and New Zealand to organisations making a meaningful impact, while 15 additional winners were announced across the US.
Alongside Aspire Canterbury, the three other Australasian-based recipients to receive a grant were:
- Four Reasons Why (Mount Gambier) – distributes clothing, household essentials and gift cards to local families experiencing hardship
- Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services (Coffs Harbour) – crisis accommodation and support for vulnerable women and children, free counselling and case management services
- Aspire Canterbury (Christchurch) – disability support services
For more information about Our Village, please see ourvillage.org.au.
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About us:
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has more than 360 hotels across the Asia-Pacific region, representing more than 32,000 rooms and making it the region’s largest hotel franchise group. Brands under the Choice Hotels banner include the Ascend Hotel Collection, Clarion, Quality, Comfort and Econo Lodge. Choice Hotels Asia-Pac is a wholly owned subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, a publicly listed (NYSE: CHH) company in the United States. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice has more than 7,500 hotels, representing nearly 650,000 rooms, in 47 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
Contact details:
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Angel Tully | [email protected] | 0456 542 990
Karen Strahan | [email protected] | 0417 361 465