#FirstRespondersFirst has announced they are partnering with IHG Hotels and Resorts as a nationwide hospitality partner. The hotel brand will be providing free accommodations at hotels across the country for those working on the frontlines as COVID-19 first responders.
#FirstRespondersFirst helps give those working on the frontlines of the pandemic essential personal protective equipment, childcare, food, mental health care, and other resources.
“It is critical that we support our frontline workers as they are serving our country with courage and selflessness,” said Arianna Huffington, Founder and CEO of Thrive Global, in a press release. “They're caring for us, so we must help take care of them. That’s why we are raising funds for essential resources, including childcare, food, and accommodation, for first responders and their families. We are thankful that IHG is providing thousands of hotel rooms across the country, supporting people with comfortable and clean places to rest and recharge without putting their loved ones at risk.”
Thanks to this partnership, first responders will also have access to a dedicated VIP reservation service from IHG, which will match local needs with nearby hotels.
“As communities around the world respond to COVID-19, we’re honored and privileged to play our part and help those who are taking care of our loved ones and neighbors,” said Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG, in the same news release. “#FirstRespondersFirst is unique because it addresses the broad needs of this critical group of people and being part of a bigger solution is how we think about the support we provide communities. We look forward to welcoming these critical frontline teams and delivering the True Hospitality they deserve when they need it most.”
IHG Hotels and Resorts has been working tirelessly to make sure both customers and staff feel safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. They have also begun supporting local communities more by helping their organization, True Hospitality for Good.
Keith Barr, the Chief Executive Officer at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said at the company’s website, “We can all see the impact that Coronavirus continues to have around the world on communities, businesses, and our lives. Taking care of others is the very essence of who we all are in hospitality and working with our colleagues, owners and charity partners to offer food, supplies and safe accommodation is a natural way for us to be there for our local communities in these difficult times.