Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has awarded Coffs Harbour-based not-for-profit Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services a $4,000 grant through its Your Community, Your Choice program, an initiative that champions local organisations driving a meaningful difference. The grassroots grant program encourages hotel franchisees within the Choice Hotels network to nominate a local charity to receive a community grant. Quality Hotel City Centre in Coffs Harbour proudly nominated Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services, which arranges crisis accommodation for vulnerable women and children, along with free counselling and case management. Warrina Domestic Violence & Family Specialist Services' CEO Charlotte Young said the support was deeply valued. "Being nominated and then successful in selection for a Your Community, Your Choice grant was a wonderful surprise and incredibly encouraging for our team. Support from local businesses like Quality Hotel City Centre allows us to continue providing vital services to young people and families in our community," Charlotte said. "The money will be directed into our Shark Cage group programs, which aim to empower women by connecting them socially and educating them on their human rights, equipping them with skills to assert themselves, set boundaries and build their sense of self-worth. "We're community-based and community-owned, which means we don't receive funding from affiliations with major charity organisations, so this grant is very important to us. It is wonderful when the local business sector go into bat for the support agencies in their region." Choice Hotels Asia-Pac's Senior Director Commercial and Revenue Management Kari Hunter said Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services was chosen for its valuable work supporting and empowering women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, including financial abuse. "We believe everyone deserves to feel safe at home. Supporting organisations that provide refuge from abuse and offer tools to help rebuild lives is essential to creating lasting change for those who need it most," Kari said. "Our hotels, including Quality Hotel City Centre, are at the heart of their communities. The Your Community, Your Choice initiative allows them to support organisations they see doing important, on-the-ground work in their own town or region." Four grants of $4,000 each were awarded across Australia and New Zealand to organisations making a meaningful impact, while 15 additional winners were announced across the US. Alongside Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services, the three other Australasian-based recipients to receive a grant were:
- Four Reasons Why (Mount Gambier) – distributes clothing, household essentials and gift cards to local families experiencing hardship
- Our Village (Geelong) – gathers and rehomes essential baby and children's items in partnership with social workers and maternal and child health nurses
- Aspire Canterbury (Christchurch) – disability support services
