You’re Tutu Kind…Marriott International Sets Fun Challenge To Raise Money For Staff In The South Pacific

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward

Sydney, Australia – January 29, 2021 – Marriott International staff in Fiji & Samoa have chanted “vinaka vakalevu” after their colleagues in Australia and New Zealand raised more than $26,000 with an en pointe challenge.

Marriott associates across the South Pacific voted with their wallets to select three of the company’s top leaders to wear a tutu for an entire day and raise money for school bags and shoes, stationery and other back to school necessities for the impacted associates and families.

The General Managers nominated for the challenge were:

• Ravinder Dhesi, JW Marriott Gold Coast Spa & Resort
• Krister Svensson, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
• Kim Mahaffy, Pier One Sydney Harbour

Neeraj Chadha, Multi Property Vice President, Fiji & Samoa for Marriott International said the closure of international borders shut has had a great impact on the local economies.

“A number of our associates had their jobs impacted through redundancy, limited or no working hours. Although they were able to access a portion of their retirement funds, for most, this is not enough to help their families with basic necessities,” he said.

“So from all of us at Marriott Fiji & Samoa, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous colleagues in helping to raise over $26,000 for our associates in the Pacific islands.” 

Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific for Marriott International joined the chorus of praise.

“This is simply incredible and a truly outstanding effort by the ANZP team,” he added. “The contribution will make a real difference to the local community in Fiji & Samoa and shows the united compassion our associates have for their colleagues.”

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly awarded travel program.

For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

(Source: TravMedia)