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Marriott Gives $550K to Anti-Trafficking Fund

J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Marriott International joint donation supports AHLA Foundation’s survivor fund

By Madeline Fuerstenberg

Marriott_Donation
Funds donated toward the AHLA’s No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund by Marriott International and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation will go toward supporting victims of human trafficking. || Photo by Taljat, courtesy of Adobe Stock

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Marriott International announced a $550,000 joint contribution in support of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund in June. The donation increases the NRFT fund, which started less than a year ago, to $3.4 million. The money will be used for grants to community-based organizations that provide financial support and stability to human trafficking survivors.

“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,” says foundation Executive Director Mieka Wick in a prepared statement.

The AHLA plans to award its first grants in July. “Every contribution amplifies our industry’s impact in the fight against human trafficking,” says AHLA President Anna Blue in a prepared statement. “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.”

Since 2020, the AHLA Foundation has trained more than 800,000 employees in how to identify and report suspected human trafficking. In partnership with Marriott International, the AHLA has developed a training program specifically designed for hospitality workers that is available for free in 17 languages, both in-person and virtually.

“Human trafficking is a profound violation of human rights and fundamentally contradicts the core values that have guided our company for nearly a century,” says Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano in a prepared statement. “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 organizations 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.”

marriott.com

ahla.com

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