Muy’Ono Resorts Celebrates Philanthropic Milestone, Supporting Belize’s Humanitarian Efforts

Muy’Ono Resorts, a collection of eight hotels in Belize, celebrated a milestone today in their philanthropic efforts. The venture supports groups working in humanitarian, environmental, and special needs efforts to make a positive impact. Reporter Vejea Alvarez tells us more. 

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Over the past five years, Muy’Ono Resorts has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to non-profit organizations working to make a significant impact across the country. Today the collection of eight hotels celebrated a milestone in contributing one million dollars through its philanthropy initiative. The venture seeks to empower grassroots organizations like the Kinhg’s Children Home to make a difference in their communities. Pastor Paul Casanova spoke on how the money goes a long way in supporting the twenty kids housed at the home.

Paul Casanova, Pastor, Kinhg’s Children Home: “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. It’s unlike anything else I’ve seen within the business community. I think the way they have it set up speaks volumes to the heart and the mind they have to reach out to the community and serve the community. We do really appreciate it. Getting the kids off to school is a very big part of what we do. When you’re dealing with the education of kids you’re not just talking about the school fee structure you’re talking about clothing, you’re talking about shoes, you’re talking about books, then we transport our kids back and forth to school everyday so you have transportation costs to be carrying kids from point A to point B and what have you. So in terms of that it always gives us a good push forward to receive this kind of donation.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Each year, the company contributes to the efforts of twelve unique entities across the country. Muy’Ono’s Chief Operating Officer Reynaldo Malik explained how the funds are raised through a creative program.

Reynaldo Malik, Chief Operating Officer, Muy’Ono: “Each of our resorts the moment you book a room at one of our resorts we donate an automatic amount out of that. So the amount varies by resort because some of our resorts are different sizes than the other. For instance Hopkins Bay that amount is a dollar US per night. So if you went and stayed there for five nights we donate five US we put five US away. When you’re checking out we hope that you enjoyed your stay with us and we ask you to match that five dollars. We generally get about 40% of our guests participate in the program. So of the million dollars donated if you do the math w’ve contributed about $700,000 ourselves and the other $300,000 came from guests putting some funds in the kite so to speak.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Prime Minister John Briceno, the keynote speaker, commended the group for its commitment not just to the beauty of Belize, but also to enhancing the lives of its citizens.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Many times we look at ourselves as investors and we believe that we’re doing you a favor because we invested in Belize both local and international and we believe that okay we’re providing jobs so we are doing something good. Yes we are doing something good but it is important , apart from the jobs then that you put back something in Belize. And when you look at what your organization has been doing and that today you’re reaching the million dollar mark I wish that more companies can see what you’re doing and they would either be inspired or feel a little bit shame and say we also have to do our part.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: Malik says the company puts the power to select where the money goes in the hands of its employees whether it’s to assist those in need or protect the environment.

Reynaldo Malik, Chief Operating Officer, Muy’Ono: “The leadership at Muy’Ono we don’t participate in selecting those. The selections are made by the employees at our individual resorts so we will see if you notice the recipients here today that they came from a wide variety of locations; Dangriga, further south, Cayo, Belmopan, Cotton Tree etc and that’s because they’re recipients being selected by the employees where their employees actually live not necessarily where the resort is located.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News: With ongoing support from Muy’Ono Resorts, Casanova believes the organizations are one step closer to building a brighter future for Belize.

Paul Casanova, Pastor, Kinhg’s Children Home: “A majority of the funding is donor and most of what we get is from the foreign entities, church entities that we connect with. So to have this group, Muy’Ono group that is local, that is so interested in doing this kind of community service it’s a wow factor for us.”

Vejea Alvarez, Love News.