Women in Travel Retail+ (WiTR+) is seeking further donations for its 2023 charity, the Koma Karanth Foundation.

Founded by actor, producer, writer, humanitarian and stand-up comedian Maitreyi Karanth, the Koma Karanth Foundation’s mission is to build a Koma community in the impoverished municipality of Gloria, Oriental Mindoro (Philippines).

The project aims to provide homes, education, senior citizen community centres, medical support and support for single women as they strive for self-sufficiency.

WiTR’s fund-raising target is at least €15,000 (approximately US$16,153), which will cover the cost of building three homes for the community. While a number of donations have been received, the organisation is calling on the travel retail industry to step up support, in order to reach its target.

WiTR+ Vice Chair Gerry Munday commented: “We are so tremendously grateful for all the support so far. The Koma Karanth Foundation is such a worthwhile cause, and I hope that the industry will rally together and help us achieve or even surpass our goal!”

In other news, WiTR+ has announced its next in-person networking events. Two events will be held on Wednesday 2 August. ‘Summer in the City with APTRA’ will take place in Hong Kong’s Duddell’s Michelin star destination, and at the Changi Experience Studio in Singapore.

WiTR+’s annual networking event in Cannes will once again return, on Tuesday 3 October, from 5.30 – 7.00pm.

READ MORE: Women in Travel Retail reveals Koma Karanth Foundation as 2023 charity