CHICAGO—As part of its philanthropy program, Hyatt is raising awareness and support for the international education nonprofit organization, Room to Read, while inviting the Hyatt community to help expand the impact. The company has committed to give a $25,000 gift to the organization, which will help build new school libraries and establish reading mentoring programs in India. But to engage with the Hyatt online community, the hotel company is also inviting guests and partners to take part in the effort by using social media to help raise awareness.
Recipients of Hyatt’s holiday e-card and the hotel chain’s social networks are invited to post a special message from Hyatt on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and Weibo that includes the hashtag #SharingJoy and encourages others to also post a message with the same hashtag. Hyatt will match each new #SharingJoy post with an additional $1 donation to help reach the company’s pledge of up to $100,000.
“Any company can simply write a check, but we want to do more to tackle the critical challenge of illiteracy,” said Brigitta Witt, vice president of corporate responsibility for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. “By actively engaging our passionate guests, associates, and community partners to share their own stories of inspiration, giving and joy, we hope to raise awareness and build a global network of support that will last long after the holidays.”
Hyatt has also launched a dedicated Share the Joy Tumblr page to help the public follow the progress of the campaign and track shares. The Tumblr page also highlights stories of local community causes championed by its hotels around the world through the company’s annual Hyatt Community Grants program.
“Through the Hyatt Community Grants program, we are able to recognize nonprofits in cities around the world that are committed to addressing the greatest needs in their own communities,” said Witt. “Showcasing the stories of changed lives through our holiday campaign helps remind us how important it is to invest in our communities around the world that we call home.”
