THE Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), and Accor’s ALL Heartist Fund, have assisted more than 500 of the Mantis Collection’s team members and their families with food hampers during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on people working in the hospitality and tourism industry, as well as the communities they support.
International hospitality group, Accor, took proactive measures to protect and support team members and partners during this global pandemic, including the creation of the ALL Heartist Fund, a R1.3 billion COVID-19 special purpose fund.
An application to the ‘ALL Heartiest Fund’ was made to provide emergency food relief during lockdown and to support around 500 team members. This includes families working on Mantis properties in the Eastern Cape.
“Owing to the loss of income from our business being closed, it became essential that we assist communities by providing much needed food parcels,” said Adrian Gardiner, chairperson of CCFA.
“Our thanks go to our partners, Accor and the ALL Heartist Fund, which have enabled us to support our teams and local communities during these difficult times.”
Through supporting communities, CCFA hopes to eradicate, or minimise, the circumstances that could lead to hunger and possible poaching of wildlife.
Middle East and Africa Accor CEO, Mark Willis, said, “We are very pleased to be able to support our Mantis team members and their surrounding community through the funds allocated by the ALL Heartist Fund, with the assistance of the CCFA. It really is a prime example of why Accor launched the fund, in order to support its team members and partners in need.”
Expressing her gratitude, executive director of CCFA, Di Luden, said, “The need is great. Without the generosity of Accor and the ALL Heartist Fund and other funders, we would not be able to assist the most vulnerable. We are truly grateful that in some small way we have made a difference in the lives of the families around, who are a vital part of the Mantis team.”
– REPORTER
