Marriott donate to victims of terrorist attack

Marriott hotel group has donated $300,000 (£204,000) to help the victims of September's Islamabad hotel bombing.

The money paid to the Hashoo Foundation, the charity set up in the wake of the terrorist attacks by the hotel's owners Hashoo Group, will provide assistance to the families of employees affected by the 20 September bombing in Pakistan.

Suicide bombers killed more than 53 people (including the Czech ambassador) and injured in excess of 260 in an attack on the 290-bedroom hotel.

After the tragedy, the Islamabad Marriott assistance fund was established while employees undertook fundraising activities such as car-washing, bake sales and used book sales, as well as individual contributions.

All the monies raised will assist the victims and their families with education, food, medical and social support as set forth by the Hashoo Foundation. Approximately 70 families will be helped through the funds raised.

Marriott executives Geoff Garside, executive vice-president for Marriott's Asia-Pacific region, and Rajeev Menon, area vice-president for Marriott in Pakistan, presented the cheque to the hotel's owner, Saddrudin Hashwani, chairman of the Hashoo Group.

Garside said: "The actions and responsiveness of our employees in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy are a true testament to our "spirit to serve" and family-oriented corporate culture. We are very proud of them for pulling together to aid fellow employees and their families in rebuilding their lives."

Hashwani said: "We are very thankful to the Marriott employees for showing such kindness and generosity during this most difficult time. The spirit of our employees is what makes our hotel so special and this money will be a tremendous help to them and their families in many ways as we all move forward."

The Islamabad Marriott Hotel is scheduled to reopen at the end of this month.

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By Gemma Sharkey

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