The J Willard and Alice S Marriott Foundation and Marriott International have announced a $5,50,000 combined contribution to support the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund, as part of the hotel industry’s longstanding, united commitment to combat human trafficking. This contribution increases the NRFT Survivor Fund to $3.4 million since its launch less than a year ago and will be used for grants to community-based organisations that provide financial support and stability to human trafficking survivors.
“Human trafficking is a profound violation of human rights and fundamentally contradicts the core values that have guided our company for nearly a century,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International. “This contribution reflects our deep commitment to the global fight against human trafficking and is the next step on our journey to raise awareness and support survivors. There are incredible, frontline organisations working every day to support survivors – from emergency housing to career development – and we are committed to supporting them in their efforts to deliver on their vital missions.”
The J Willard and Alice S Marriott Foundation’s Executive Director, Mieka Wick, echoed this commitment, “The J Willard and Alice S Marriott Foundation has a long history of empowering others to achieve their greatest potential, and we are proud to support the hospitality industry in its continued efforts to end human trafficking and support the stability and success of survivors.”
The AHLA Foundation oversees and administers the NRFT Survivor Fund and will award its first grants next month. “Every contribution amplifies our industry’s impact in the fight against human trafficking,” said Anna Blue, president of the AHLA Foundation. “We are steadfast in our commitment to the industry’s united efforts in this fight and are deeply grateful for Marriott’s leadership and support. Our continued collaboration and shared investment in supporting human trafficking survivors will undoubtedly change lives.”
The AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking programme aims to unite the hospitality industry around its collective anti-trafficking efforts through training, education and survivor support.