Worldwide: The initiative has been developed in support of the group’s staff who have been impacted by COVID-19, as well as the communities in which the group operates.
The relief fund will provide financial help to those most affected by the pandemic, prioritising those with health-related needs.
It will assist staff in corporate offices and managed hotels across its three brands – Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, New World Hotel & Resorts, and KHOS.
The initiative will also donate hotel rooms for essential workers, and will help to provide meals and supplies.
In the first two weeks since its formation, the fund has received initial pledges close to USD $2 million from Rosewood Hotel Group’s corporate executives and associates, including salary contributions and a commitment from the company to match all employees cash contributions to the fund.
Individual properties within the portfolio have launched other initiatives. Both Rosewood Bangkok in Thailand and Rosewood Miramar Beach in the US have created Rosewood on the Move food delivery services to offer complimentary comfort meals and other supplies to frontline workers in the hotels’ respective regions.
At Rosewood London, Michael Bonsor MD has launched the Hospitality4Heroes Social Challenge with the aim of raising £10,000 to support the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Appeal, while head chef of Holborn Dining Room, Calum Franklin and his team have been cooking meals for NHS staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group, said: “I have always believed that people are the beating heart of the hospitality industry. Through Rosewood Raise, we wish to stand in solidarity and with gratitude for our associates, and in support of the local communities that are so deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hope is that through this initiative we can provide assistance to our associates and communities who are facing serious hardship and let them know their Rosewood family is here to support them through this unprecedented time.”