The philanthropic arm of Belize-based Muy’Ono Resorts was born from the brand’s belief that every traveler should have the opportunity to “travel better”—to give back to the communities that they visit in one way or the other. And since 2018, the resort group has been living that philosophy, donating to charitable organizations across the country each month. This month, Muy’Ono reached a significant milestone in its “Committed to Community” Philanthropy program, having donated a total of $1 Million over the course of the past 6 years.
$1 Million Since 2018
The Cayo Deaf Institute is one of the many community organizations that have benefitted under Muy’Ono’s “Travel Better” program. Photo courtesy of Muy’Ono
According to Muy’Ono’s Chief Operating Officer, Reynaldo Malik, with every booking at any of the brand’s eight resorts, a small contribution is made towards giving back to the community.
“At each resort, the moment you book a room at one of our resorts, we donate an automatic amount out of that…so for instance at Hopkins Bay, that amount is $1US per night. So, if you stayed there for five nights, we would donate $5US,” said Malik to local news reporters at the brand’s Philanthropy Milestone Celebration in Belmopan.
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Guests are also asked to match that donation if they so choose. As a result, approximately $300,000 of the million-dollar milestone comes directly from traveler contributions.
Pack for a purpose is another of Muy’Ono’s “Travel Better” Initiatives. Photo by Muy’Ono Resorts
In speaking with reporters, Malik also gave some insight into how recipient organizations are chosen each year. From children’s homes to schools and homes for the elderly, the institutions that have benefitted from Muy’Ono’s Travel Better program are diverse. Ultimately, it is the resort’s employees that help to select beneficiaries, with many choosing to assist those that are both literally and figuratively quite close to home.
Committed to Community
Muy’Ono’s Community give-back program is an initiative that Pastor Paul Cassanova, the manager of King’s Children Home, has called “unlike anything else…seen within the business community.”
Cassanova, who was present at the milestone celebration alongside a slew of other invited guests—including Belize’s Prime Minister—has called the charitable donations, in one word, a blessing.
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- Belize’s Muy’Ono Resorts Have a Number of Philantropy Programs, including Pack for a Purpose. Photo by Muy’Ono
“Through the years Muy’Ono has really been one of those entities that has always helped us in the work we’re doing to serve the vulnerable population that we have,” he said.
In addition to donating to Belize’s communities, Muy’Ono also gives back through its Pack for a Purpose program as well as charity auctions. You can learn more about the brand’s Travel Better Philanthropic arm on their website.
All photos courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts.
