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The HSMAI Foundation (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International) has partnered with HSMAI Regional Europe to establish a designated fund to support both the immediate and longer-term needs of Ukrainians studying and working in the hospitality industry.
It revealed the new fund will be administered by the HSMAI Europe board of directors and is open to any student or employee who has been impacted by the events of the war including refugees and those still based in Ukraine.
Grants from the new fund will be available for:
- Fees and full bursaries to Ukrainian citizens who are currently students or other who desire to further their education in hospitality
- Vocational training /support for current employees in Ukraine who have been uprooted from their homes and or are now refugees
- Mentorship for Ukrainians seeking experience and guidance in the hospitality industry
- Attendance at HSMAI Europe programmes and conferences and also for global certifications
The new fund began accepting donations on Tuesday, 29 March and is calling for “urgent” donations from companies and individuals seeking to support the Foundation’s new initiative to support industry colleagues in Ukraine.
Michelle Woodley, chair of the HSMAI Foundation and president of Preferred Hotels and Resort, said: “The HSMAI Foundation has been the philanthropic arm of the association for over forty years.
“The Foundation has helped to raise and distribute funds – as well as develop and enhance educational programmes on a local, national and global level to facilitate positive social change in the industry.”
He added: “The Foundation board looks forward to working closely with Ingunn and the HSMAI European Board to ensure the Foundation can support the urgent educational and vocational needs of Ukrainians affected by the war.”
Ingunn Hofseth, president and CEO of HSMAI Region Europe, added: “The humanitarian needs of many Ukrainian refugees as well as those still based in Ukraine who are studying or are working in the hospitality industry has propelled the Association to take action fast.
“This is a time when the hospitality industry needs to unite and support their fellow Ukrainians so as many as possible can apply for degrees and courses, continue their studies and have opportunities to gain new skills and /or gain new employment contracts in the industry.”
