In September 2014, Choice Hotels partnered with Victorian based charity Kids Under Cover to help to prevent youth homelessness. Founded in 1989, Kids Under Cover’s solution is simple. They offer one or two bedroom studios with bathrooms, constructed on the grounds of the family/carer’s home, allowing families to stay connected, giving them extra room to live, while providing the young person with a secure and stable environment to grow into healthy adulthood. The team at Choice Hotels head office has participated in a total of three volunteer maintenance programs for Kids Under Cover, which has involved building a wheel chair ramp, door shelters and lots of painting and sanding. Later this year, Choice Hotels will run a week-long fundraising initiative, in line with Homeless Prevention Week (3-9 August) and hope to raise $55,000 to help build a new studio that will be erected by Choice Hotels’ staff and Australian franchisees in early 2016.
In New Zealand, Choice Hotels has been partnering with Cystic Fibrosis NZ as their charity partner for the past two years. Established in 1968, Cystic Fibrosis NZ has been positively influencing the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis, both in their homes and at hospitals visits. Cystic fibrosis is the most common life threatening genetic disorder affecting New Zealand children. The condition affects several organs, especially the lungs and pancreas and the average life expectancy for those living with cystic fibrosis is significantly lower than the general population. In the last two years, Choice Hotels and their New Zealand-based franchisees, have participated in two week-long fundraising weeks with a percentage of every stay going directly to Cystic Fibrosis NZ. Last year more than $15,000 was raised and this year Choice Hotels hopes to beat that figure. Later this year, Choice Hotels will host a ‘Bounce for Life’ activity at a trampoline venue in New Zealand, with all participation costs and donations going directly to Kids Under Cover.
Choice Hotels is very proud to work with both Kids Under Cover and Cystic Fibrosis NZ and looks forward to working with them both in the future. Anyone wishing to make donations to either charities can do so at the below web addresses.
Visit Kids Under Cover: http://www.kuc.org.au/
Visit Cystic Fibrosis NZ: http://cfnz.org.nz/
Contact details:
Choice Hotels Australasia
03 9243 2400
www.choicehotels.com.au and www.choicehotels.co.nz
