Fundraising status

Target : €10,000

Raised : €21,947

In 2015 the travel retail industry once again underlined its generosity and willingness to give to needy communities and causes with a fundraising push at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, raising money to provide housing for a further 30 children at the Brahmaputra Home built by TFWA Care in Guwahati, Assam, working with Lotus Flower Trust.

Women in Travel Retail organised a raffle and silent auction to raise funds Later, at the Frontier Awards Dinner – where WiTR was recognised for its contribution to the industry – Godiva CEO Mohamed Elsarky donated a further €10,000. That was followed by a €1,000 donation from Frontier Magazine and a further €500 from an anonymous donor. WiTR exceeded its target to reach €21,947.

WiTR member and Furla Global Travel Retail Director, Gerry Munday commented:

“The generosity of many individuals and companies is so very much appreciated. Without Mohamed’s stunning gesture, we would have had to scale back our plans but this makes all the difference.”

WiTR member and World Duty Free Group Business Relations and External Affairs Director, Sarah Branquinho added:

“The extension to the Brahmaputra Home which already houses 25 children, will give 30 more children a safe home, regular meals and the opportunity to go to school, something that most of us take for granted. The generosity of this industry never fails to amaze me.”