CapitaLand’s wholly owned business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has pledged Rs1.5 million ($20,192) to support Covid-19 relief efforts in India. 

 

Through the ‘One Day for India’ initiative, 235 staff from 13 Ascott properties in six countries and eight cities across the Middle East, Turkey and India voluntarily donated one full day’s salary in support of the beneficiaries of Tamil Nadu state’s Chief Minister’s Covid-19 Relief Fund. 

 

The staff’s contribution will also be used to procure emergency medical supplies for the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research (KIPMR), Chennai.  

 

The pledge adds to the donation of 20 oxygen concentrators and other emergency medical supplies in June 2021, from CapitaLand’s philanthropic arm CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF) and Ascott, to a facility for the treatment of Covid-19 patients at KIPMR, Chennai. In the same month, Ascott’s staff distributed over 500 meals to underprivileged families affected by Covid-19 in central Chennai.  

 

Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional General Manager for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said: “As a responsible lodging company, Ascott has been contributing to the communities we operate in and this includes India where we have been operating for a decade since the opening our first serviced residence, Somerset Greenways Chennai. We are heartened to see many of our staff across the Middle East, Turkey and India readily come forward to participate in our ‘One Day For India’ initiative in support of India’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to monetary donations and contribution of medical supplies and meals to those affected by Covid-19, we are also supporting the vaccination efforts in Chennai by offering exclusive apartment rates and double Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) points to guests who are fully vaccinated. Ascott continues to stand by the community in India and offers a safe home away from home for our guests.”  

 

Throughout the Covid-19 situation, Ascott has leveraged its lodging expertise and resources to provide a safe haven for its guests worldwide, while extending its support to local government agencies and philanthropic organisations in the fight against Covid-19. Last year, in collaboration with CHF, Ascott raised a total of $200,000 through its #StayHomeWithAscott campaign, by rallying the global community to curb the spread of Covid-19 by staying home. 

 

Funds raised went towards Save the Children’s food security and assistance programmes, to support about 13,000 underprivileged children affected by the pandemic. To thank and support healthcare heroes in their fight against Covid-19, Ascott also offered special rates for their stays at ASR participating properties. -- TradeArabia News Service