Cystic Fibrosis Association Named Charity of Choice

Cystic Fibrosis Association Named Charity of Choice

Choice Hotels has announced the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand (CFANZ) as their official New Zealand charity partner.

Together, Choice Hotels and their New Zealand franchisees have selected the Cystic Fibrosis Association as their New Zealand charity of choice. This represents the first charitable partnership for Choice Hotels in this market.

Choice Hotels’ general manager of sales and marketing, Aileen Cobern, says individual properties have always demonstrated generosity and support for many causes over the years but this formal relationship is a co-ordinated and significant effort for one special charity.

“The Cystic Fibrosis Association really stood out when we looked for a great New Zealand charity partner. We are very impressed with the commitment and contribution that the CFANZ team makes to those with this disease,” says Cobern. “We chose Cystic Fibrosis believing we can play a valuable role in raising awareness of this disease and the plight of its young sufferers. We applaud the efforts of this hardworking Kiwi charity and look forward to developing a true partnership.”

CFANZ supports Kiwis living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and their families by increasing awareness of the disease, through education, advocacy, and research. They also provide CF sufferers and their families with social and financial support.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting many organs in the body, especially the lungs and pancreas. For sufferers, it means frequent and serious chest infections, multiple hospital stays, an average 15,000 pills each year, an inability to digest food and an average life expectancy of just 35 years.

In supporting Cystic Fibrosis, Choice Hotels will substantially lower travel costs for the charity by providing free room nights at their properties around New Zealand.

“Accommodation costs are significant for a charity like CFANZ that operates nationally and moves support workers around the country,” says Cobern. “We wanted to remove this cost so the money can be re-directed to other ways to support CF sufferers.”

Other major elements of Choice Hotels support include assistance in raising the profile of the Cystic Fibrosis Association and the provision of multiple new fundraising channels for them.

Travellers staying at any Choice hotel in New Zealand will learn more about the charity’s work and have the opportunity to help the cause by making donations in envelopes placed in their rooms or in special donation boxes at reception.

CFANZ Chief Executive, Kate Russell is thrilled to welcome Choice Hotels into their family of sponsors. “We are delighted to have Choice Hotels as our new partner and friend. They are providing significant support in many crucial areas of need. With Choice Hotels at our side, we will continue our important work and provide services that are invaluable to Kiwis with CF.”

“We are looking forward to seeing this partnership blossom and grow into something really special,” Russell adds.

To learn more about the work and needs of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand and Cystic Fibrosis, visit www.cfnz.org.nz

Choice Hotels’ general manager of sales and marketing, Aileen Cobern, shows CFANZ Chief Executive, Kate Russell, around Clarion Collection Metropolis.

ENDS

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