Over 60 Marriott International’s properties in the UAE came together in October to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Month and support Al Jalila Foundation’s breast cancer campaign by raising over AED 600,000 towards research in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
“Our support towards Al Jalila Foundation’s breast cancer campaign has become a cornerstone of our efforts in the UAE, uniting people from all backgrounds to educate and fundraise for breast cancer patient treatment and research,” said Pam Wilby, Chair of Marriott Business Council UAE and Multi-Property General Manager of Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. “We are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic participation from our associates and local community, and the opportunity to make a difference.”
Organised by the Marriott Business Council UAE, the month-long initiative featured a variety of activities including a series of walkathons as part of the #PINKtober Walk with more than 1,275 associates participating this year. The annual #PINKtober Walk by Marriott’s properties in the UAE symbolises unity and solidarity, encouraging associates to come together, share stories, and create awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This year’s highlights included:
- A 4-km walk from The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque area.
- An 8.3-km walk on Palm Jumeirah where associates made their way from Aloft Palm Jumeirah to W Dubai – The Palm.
- In the Northern Emirates, associates and members of the local community walked 3.5 km from Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa to Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman.
During the month of October, more than 90 restaurants across Marriott’s portfolio in the UAE hosted a variety of month-long activities from pink-themed brunches, ladies’ night, afternoon teas to raffles and wellness activities, with a percentage of the proceeds donated to Al Jalila Foundation. Community-focused events featured wellness workshops and health consultations aimed at educating the public about breast cancer.
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Al Jalila Foundation is grateful for Marriott’s unwavering commitment to our annual #PINKtober fundraising campaign. The participation from so many outlets across Marriott hotel properties each year is truly inspiring, as these fundraisers contribute significantly to our ongoing efforts to advance breast cancer awareness, treatment, and research. We are very proud of our partnership, now in its tenth year, with Marriott. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families.”
The #PINKtober campaign and support of Al Jalila Foundation falls under Marriott International’s Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, Serve 360: “Doing Good in Every Direction”, which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business.
