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Hilton Global Foundation has selected national charity, Only a Pavement Away, as one of a handful of global not-for-profit organisations to receive a grant as part of a “record” £4.2m commitment to make “a positive social difference for communities around the world”.
The grant will enable the charity, which supports people facing homelessness, to place 300 people into hospitality jobs and provide 900 individuals with access to employment opportunities in the UK.
Launched in 2019, the Hilton Global Foundation works to “create a better world for travel” by supporting organisations tackling environmental and social issues such as poverty, career development and protection of the destinations where people live, work and travel.
The charity’s flagship programme, Passport 2 Employment, is a five-day hospitality experience, where candidates study and work on site, hear from employers about the skills and work ethic they’re looking for, as well as giving those on the course the opportunity to road-test roles behind reception, bar, or kitchen.
Currently, 80% of candidates who take part in the programme are offered permanent roles.
As one of just 16 Hilton Global Foundation grantees worldwide, Only A Pavement Away is now looking to host additional Passport 2 Employment Programmes in 2025, alongside its mentoring and skills support, to meet its aspiration of getting a further 5,000 people into work over the next four years.
Greg Mangham, founder and CEO of Only a Pavement Away, said: “We’re thrilled to be one of 16 charities that the Hilton Global Foundation selected to provide funding to foster career development opportunities, and the only non-profit to be selected in the UK.
“The funds will enable us to deliver training and learning and development activities to help more of our candidates overcome barriers and get into work. Thanks to employers such as Hilton, we can bring talented and loyal people into the hospitality sector and add value back into local communities.”
Katherine Lugar, EVP of corporate affairs at Hilton and president of Hilton Global, added: “The Hilton Global Foundation is proud to support Only a Pavement Away in their efforts to support people looking to rebuild their lives through employment opportunities in hospitality.
“The Hilton Global Foundation was created based on the belief that travel can be a powerful, positive force for good. The 2024 Hilton Global Foundation grant recipients have shown the impact that people and organizations can have when they come together to make an impact in their communities, and we look forward to seeing the transformative results of this grant.”
