As the TFWA Cannes show approaches, the Women in Travel network is looking to equal the funds it collected last year by raising another £10,000 (US$16,000) to help build a school and a home in Ramnagar in rural India.

 

The school for children with severe difficulties, ranging from blindness to leprosy, is now nearing completion and the over 400-member group of women from all categories and functions within the duty-free and travel retail channel is hoping for a big funds boost during Cannes week.

 

Last year, WiT raised over £10,000 (€12,390/US$16,000) to kick off the school project. It notes the particular generosity of William Grant & Sons, which nominated WiT and its school to be the beneficiary of the proceeds from one of 11 bottles of Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve to be auctioned for charity [Mrs Roberts was the late granddaughter of William Grant, founder of the Glenfiddich Distillery-Ed].

 

Bottle No. 7 was bought by World Duty Free Group for £42,000 raising nearly £35,000 (US$56,260) after tax to contribute to the building of the school and start a fund for a new home beside the school where the children will live.

 

SCHOOL ALMOST READY

The school and home will open next month with 75 pupils – and a waiting list of over 200. “The challenge we have set ourselves this year is to raise the final £10,000 to complete the home,” says WiT.

 

The fundraiser will take place on Tuesday 23 October from 5.30pm to 7pm on Level 1 of the Palais des Festivals, near the Business Centre and Hotels Desk. As well as a great opportunity for women in DF&TR to meet and exchange news, views and experiences, WiT is asking for donations – from men and women – and in return they can win prizes that have been donated by one of the many high-end exhibitors at the show.

 

The minimum donation is €10, or three ‘entries’ for €20. Business cards, will be drawn from a box during and after the WiT meeting. Prizes not collected at the meeting can be collected from the Visitor Registration guest desk, Le Pavilion, on Wednesday 24 October from 10am to 2pm.

 

Those unable to personally attend the event, can bring business cards (and their donations) to the Furla stand (Bay Village, Bay 15) before 4pm on 23 October– or give them to a WiT who is attending.

 

For further information please contact any of the following: Sarah Branquinho – [email protected]; Gerry Munday – [email protected]; Amanda Felix – [email protected]; Lois Pasternak – [email protected]; Catherine Bonelli – [email protected]: Tina Tam – [email protected].