Thanks to the generosity of companies and individuals, Women in Travel Retail raised close to €19,000 during its October meeting in Cannes. The money will go to Friends International’s beauty vocational training program to provide training to young women aged 16-24, helping them to work in a safe place, provide for their families and learn customer-oriented skills in a real work environment.
The original target of €15,000 was exceeded in part thanks to significant contributions – from Shiseido, the Moodie Davitt Report, Gebr. Heinemann, Sunil Tuli, and WiTR networking meetings in Singapore, Hong Kong and Orlando – and to the generosity of companies in providing fabulous silent auction items and raffle prizes and to all who participated by bidding and entering the draw.
Friends International Founder and Executive Director, Sabastien Maron, commented: “We extend our thanks to the exhibitors and visitors to TFWA Cannes who have helped WiTR to reach their target and ensured that these young people can achieve their dreams by completing their training, finding employment and going on to have stable, successful and happy lives.”
“This was the biggest meeting ever of Women in Travel Retail with many new faces. There are now over 300 WiTR members – and we’re still growing,” commented Sarah Branquinho, Chair WiTR. “All women in travel retail are invited to join WiTR; next year’s charity will again be nominated and decided by WiTR members.”
WiTR also thanks Follador – celebrating their 250th anniversary – for again adding sparkle to the meeting with its donation of wine, and Rob Grossman and his team at QuestExhibits for their help with the logistics.
For information on how to become a member of WiTR, please contact lucy@wefiltr.com .