Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia, has raised AUD 404,000 (USD 290,862) through its Accor Bushfire Disaster Relief Appeal, for bushfire affected people and communities across Australia. The money was raised globally between January and March 2020, through its dedicated Gofundraise donation platform and through guest fundraising initiatives across Accor Australia’s apartments, hotels, resorts and corporate offices.

The funds were divided amongst charities to aid the Australian bushfire relief effort, including humanitarian relief (Australian Red Cross), firefighters (NSW RFS, VIC CFA and SA CFS), animal welfare (Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife) and environment (Greening Australia). In addition to monetary support, it also provided emergency accommodation and catering for members of the community, fire fighters and their families.

Simon McGrath, chief operating officer of Accor Pacific said: “We hope these donations will enable each charity to source and distribute support and supplies, when and where they are most needed. The impact of the bushfires was catastrophic in many states across Australia earlier this year. Since then, Covid-19 has become a national priority, however it’s important we continue to care for those many people and communities impacted by the bushfires across Australia.”

Accor also extended special hotel rates to all firefighters and service providers across Australia to say thank you for their courage and bravery.