IHG Motels & Resorts thanks important staff with shock journeys
IHG worked with corporate partner Mastercard to give back to those who cared for their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Since the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic in early 2020, we have relied more than ever on doctors, nurses, grocery store clerks, community service workers and other key employees. They have kept the communities healthy, nourished, protected, and safe and must take additional precautions to ensure their own well-being. As a company that is committed to true hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts has spent the past few months recognizing and celebrating these people to say thank you for their work.
Catherine Dolton, vice president of corporate responsibility for IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We launched a call for nominations for workers who go beyond what is needed to support their communities, vulnerable populations and colleagues, and the response has been overwhelming. We are honored to recognize and thank these employees by offering free hotel stays and exclusive experiences and the IHG Rewards Club. These points can be used towards future stays for the rest, relaxation and recreation they so deserve. "
To bring one of the experiences to life, IHG partnered with MasterCard with Chef JJ Johnson, Mastercard Ambassador and James Beard Winner of the renowned FIELDTRIP restaurant in Harlem, to offer a “priceless experience at home”.
Chef JJ led an exclusive virtual cooking class for health professionals and nonprofits such as St Mungo's, Barnardo and Good360, where attendees created one of his signature dishes. During the pandemic, Chef JJ Johnson donated rice bowls to hospital employees in New York City and forged relationships with nonprofits to develop programs like FIELDTRIP's Buy-a-Bowl initiative, which served over 100,000 meals.
Head Chef JJ Johnson, Founder of FIELDTRIP, commented, “It has been a pleasure to lead the class on Mastercard's behalf for these people who have given so much of their personal lives over the past few months. For me, cooking is all about community and the key staff I met during class inspired me with their stories of how they come together to help their communities get through these tough times. "
In the past few months, the company has also uncovered incredible stories from people around the world who gave back to their communities and tried to recognize them with relaxing stays at its hotels.
