Banyan Tree Private Collection Partners With Habitat For Humanity

By: Destination Club News
Date: April 23, 2010

Earlier this week, Banyan Tree Private Collection hosted an exclusive cocktail reception where the destination club made a "major announcement" regarding their Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative. This major announcement was a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity that will have both new members and the club itself donating to the charitable organization.

"Banyan Tree has long been committed to being an agent of social and economic development through responsible tourism," said Marina Kleiman, Banyan Tree Private Collection’s Managing Director. "Habitat’s message — 'hope starts at home' deeply resonates with BTPC and our commitment to corporate social responsibility and offer of a home away from home to our members and guests,"

This commitment to corporate social responsibility is a strong one. As part of this alliance, Banyan Tree is asking new members to donate $10,000 from each individual membership sold. Currently available for $150,000, Banyan Tree will discount memberships to $140,000 provided that $10,000 is donated directly to Habitat for Humanity. In addition, Banyan Tree will match an additional $10,000 for each membership.

Banyan Tree Private Collection not only has high hopes for the program, but also new membership sales for the coming year. Through this alliance, Banyan Tree hopes to raise enough funds to build 100 homes, with proceeds going towards two Habitat for Humanity building projects - one in Guangdong, China and another in the Philippines.

The Guangdong project will focus on the Quijiang district in the southern portion of Shaoguan municipality. Habitat for Humanity is targeting at least 150 housing units for low-income families over the next three years. In the district, nearly 16,000 families live in unsafe and temporary mud brick or earthen wall houses without sanitation or ventilation systems, with many collapsing during storms and floods in recent years.

Habitat for Humanity's Philippines Pasig River Project will be the focus of the other program, dedicated to addressing the potentials of "disasters occurring among slum colonies living along the riverbanks through resettlement and provision of adequate shelter." Between 2011 and 2015, Habitat hopes to serve 40,000 additional families.

"This is a meaningful partnership that starts with introducing the friends of Habitat for Humanity network to Banyan Tree Private Collection, which is part of the multi-award-winning Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts group, recognized for its corporate social responsibility initiatives worldwide," said Steven Ying, Habitat for Humanity China's General Manager. "Likewise, we are excited to welcome BTPC’s members to our global efforts. Together, we will bring hope and build decent homes for underserved communities in China and the Philippines."

Multiple destination clubs have added philanthropic endeavors to their structure in recent years. Ultimate Escapes has raised nearly $400,000 since 2007 through their Ultimate Giving program and Quintess, LRW has sponsored ten students through their Greenhouse Scholars program. The Emperum Club has pledged to donate 10% of the club's profits to preserve the environment, wild-life, and the well-being of children in need as part of their "One Future Fund."

Congratulations to Banyan Tree Private Collection on this worthwhile new project and for both the club and Habitat for Humanity, we are hoping for a banner year. If you are considering joining Banyan Tree Private Collection or any other destination club, a good place to begin is requesting a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.