Choice Hotels has teamed up with Serta Inc. to take part in brand’s “Stay Home, Send Beds” program. This program provides bed donations to waylay the nationwide shortages at hospitals and temporary medical facilities due to the current pandemic.
“We are so grateful to our nation’s tireless healthcare workers and recognize the increased needs and demands hospitals are facing to support and treat those affected by COVID-19,” said Robert McDowell, chief commercial officer, Choice Hotels in a press release. “We want to do our part to help those on the front lines and facilitate care for those in need, and right now, every bed counts. Our customers are looking for ways to safely give back during this pandemic, and we’re proud to give them a way to do just that by supporting communities in need and contributing to this important cause.”
The hotel started getting involved in the program Thursday, April 16. Those in the Choice Hotels’ Choice Privileges loyalty program can donate their points towards beds for hospitals in need, and Choice Hotels itself will be matching all donated points for a limited time. These mattress donations are all going through Relief Bed International, which is a non-profit that provides beds to the impoverished and disaster victims around the world. The hotel brand is also offering discounted rates to essential workers and volunteers serving communities during the virus.
“Our franchisees are some of the most dedicated and inspiring people on the frontlines, putting their staff and communities at the forefront of their action,” added McDowell in the same news release. “We applaud the commitment of our owners in opening their doors to essential workers, providing care packages and supplies to the individuals who need them, and making a difference in numerous other ways for their hotels and communities during this time of need.”
Choice Hotels is involved in multiple efforts to help those at the forefront of COVID-19, three of them being the American Red Cross, Operation Homefront, which helps family members of ill or injured service members being displaced of their home, and International Franchise Association, an organization that provides educational resources and direct financial support to small businesses and local non-profit partners. Loyalty members can donate their points to these organizations as well.