February 5, 2016: In charge of some of the most exquisite lodgings around the world, InterContinential Hotel Group is also a leader in environmentally friendly, socially uplifting business initiatives, which will converge under its newly formed IHG Foundation
With a portfolio of 5,000 world-class hotels in nearly 100 countries that denote luxury and excellence, IHG says it remains firmly committed to responsible business practices and local charity work, which is it has proven with the launch of the IHG Foundation.
An independent charity, registered in England and Wales, the IHG Foundation will operate in four primary areas – development of community skills in hospitality, alleviation of disasters’ adverse impacts, facilitation of local investment as well as environmental protection and conservation.
Supported mainly by fundraisers and donations from IHG and IHG Reward Club Members, the IHG Foundation has selected its initial batch of beneficiaries. The Foundation teams up with CARE International UK to unshackle vulnerable people from the plights and risks of natural disasters. Through the British Red Cross, it helps more than 2,000 locals in Cumbria, UK, which suffered from a devastating flood in December 2015.
Seeking to encourage careers in hospitality, IHG Foundation extends Goodwill Industries International a grand to enhance its employment services. Meanwhile, it collaborates with Youth Career Initiative to rehabilitate human-trafficking survivors and prepare them for jobs in the service sector.
In its pursuit of environmental sustainability, the Foundation bands with The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in a construction of a sustainable drainage system at its London Wetland Center, which will not only improve visitor experience but will also showcase innovative water management techniques.
The Foundation takes its place alongside IHG Academy program – which has for years offered hospitality training through the group’s hotels – and IHG Green Engage – which continues to assist hotels in measuring and scaling down their ecological footprint.
