Women in Travel Retail+ (WiTR+) has raised 34,000 Euros for the Koma Karanth Foundation this year, more than double its initial target.
This was announced at a networking session jointly hosted by Diageo Global Travel, Victoria’s Secret, Tumi and WiTR+ on Tuesday, 3 October during the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes.
The amount is enough to build and furnish five Koma Karanth Foundation houses.
The total was significantly boosted by Victoria’s Secret who presented Koma Karanth Foundation Founder, Maitreyi Karanth, with a cheque for US$12,000.
Sarah Branquinho, WiTR+ Chair said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout at today’s networking session and with the industry’s generosity. Our goal was to reach 15,000 euros and to raise over double that is mind-blowing. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who donated, to Diageo for hosting, and to Tumi and Victoria’s Secret for co-sponsoring the event.”
Diageo Global Travel Managing Director, Andrew Cowan added: “At Diageo we believe in championing inclusion and diversity, within our organisation and teams, through our brand campaigns and in partnership with our industry. I am delighted that we can support WiTR+ and work alongside side it to continue to build a community in travel retail that is reflective of our diverse and inclusive travelling consumer.”
WiTR+ has gained momentum over the last twelve months with webinars and networking opportunities from Hong Kong to Singapore, to Dubai, London, Hamburg and Miami. It is now offering corporate partnerships to enable companies to offer membership to the women in their global travel retail teams.