Accor empowers Chinese AIDS victims
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Accor has launched the second phase of its three-year ‘Empowerment Builds the Future’ CSR programme, designed to help Chinese women and children affected by the AIDS virus. Launched on 18 May, a new range of ‘Eco Bags’, produced by women from Aids-impacted families at the programme’s workshop in Henan province, will go on sale at Accor’s properties in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Priced at CNY25 (US$3.80) each, funds from the bag sales will be used to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for children from AIDS-impacted families.
“We are thrilled to be engaged in such an innovative CSR programme, in cooperation with the Chi Heng Foundation and we are very proud of what we have achieved since launch” said Robert Murray, Senior Vice President of Accor Great China. “As we now enter a new phase for the program, I am confident that public attention will continue to increase on the plight of HIV/AIDS affected families in China and that more children will benefit from our initiative and receive educational opportunities, helping to reshape their future.”
Unveiled at Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel, the new look bag is a special design by Mary Ma, one of China’s best-known female fashion designers, and a native of Henan province. The design features two sides to a woman’s face, one intended to represent pain and despair, and the other meant to represent the hope provided by the Accor Foundation.
“I feel really honored to be invited by Accor to give a new look to the bag which also allows me to contribute my part to this wonderful program,” said Ms Ma. “It has always been my wish as a designer to bring some truly cherished spirit and value to more people around the world through my work.”
Launched in November 2009, the ‘Empowerment Builds the Future’ CSR programme has managed to raise a total of CNY400,000 during its first year of operation. Women from HIV/AIDS-affected families have been recruited and trained at a workshop in central Henan province. Approximately 21,000 eco-friendly shopping bags, designed by well-known Chinese Stylist Tony Li, were produced there during the first 12 months.
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