MIDDLE EAST. A meeting of Women in Travel (WiT) will take place on 23 November during the MEDFA conference in Dubai next week.
Orchestrated by Gill Hawksby of Puig Middle East, the group will gather at the pre-conference area of the Grand Rashidiya Ballroom at the Rotana Hotel on 23 November at 4pm.
In a message to WiT members, Hawksby said: “Diageo has generously agreed to sponsor some bubbles and MEDFA some canapés. I look forward to seeing you again for a catch-up.”
Gill Hawksby can be contacted at gillian.hawksby@puigme.com
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Miles for Smiles fun run at MEDFA – 21 November 2009
In other news, Row Holland of Essential Communications has thanked all the WiT members who have contributed so far to this year’s Miles for Smiles fun run in aid of The Smile Train charity. The run/walk takes place just before the MEDFA conference on Saturday (21 November) at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai.
Holland is also encouraging other WiTs to join in the fundraising. Her message runs as follows:
“Miles for Smiles, the travel retail industry 10km/5km fun run/walk in aid of The Smile Train, takes place this coming Saturday in Dubai (just before MEDFA) and, once again, I am joint organising the event with Mandy Sime of The Moodie Report. We are expecting more than 80 from the travel retail industry to take part this year – all for this great cause.
“WiT has always been a fantastic supporter of The Smile Train and, indeed, several of you are taking part, have donated prizes and goodie bag items and already donated to the fund. A huge thank you to all of you who have contributed so far. Mandy and I really appreciate it, as do all the Smile Train children.
“Miles for Smiles is about raising as much money as possible to put smiles back on faces. So far we have raised over US$30,000, paying for 120 operations. If you can support the event, please do make a donation – every dollar helps. Remember, it takes just US$250 to pay for an operation.
“If you would like to help Miles for Smiles, you can donate directly on our fund-raising page.”
Holland added: “If you have been bamboozled by requests from other runners, I apologise for bothering you. To everyone taking part, see you on Saturday and have a great trip to Dubai. Thank you for your support.”
ABOUT THE SMILE TRAIN
The Smile Train is the world’s largest and most effective cleft charity. Since March 2000 it has provided free cleft surgery for over 500,000 children, particularly in emerging countries where parents are unable to fund the operation. For as little as US$250, and in as little as 45 minutes, this true, modern-day medical miracle can change a child’s life forever. The travel retail industry has donated an estimated US$1.3 million to the cause over the past two years, a figure that is expected to rise sharply this year thanks to the ongoing support of a number of organizations, notably DFS Group, The Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retailing Worldwide and The Patrón Spirits Company.
ABOUT WIT
Women in Travel was created in 2006 to recognise the contribution of women to the travel retail industry. With nearly 300 members, WiT is generating a network for women in all categories and functions within the travel retail channel, as well as providing a forum to share learning and experience.
The group meets at each of the major duty free and travel retail conventions, sometimes inviting a female guest speaker who demonstrates outstanding achievement from within or outside the trade. On other occasions WiT members simply meet to chat, share experiences and make new friends. There is no formal structure, and no joining fee or membership fee.
MORE STORIES ON WOMEN IN TRAVEL
WiT meeting raises thousands for The Smile Train – 29/10/09
Women in Travel fundraising event for The Smile Train attracts generous prize donations – 30/09/09
