Eco-friendly bags to support families affected by HIV

August 2^nd 2010, Shanghai – The “Empowerment Builds the Future” eco-friendly shopping bag, designed by renowned Chinese Stylist Tony Li, is now available at Grand Mercure Hongqqiao Shanghai! Proceeds from the sale will be used to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for Children from HIV affected families.

The act is part of a 3 – year sustainable social program “Empowerment Builds the Future” created by Accor China, under the principal of Accor Foundation and the guidance of Chi Heng Foundation, to help those HIV/Aids affected women and children. The stylish eco-friendly bags, handmade by women whose families are affected by HIV/AIDS, are sold within the hotel at the price of CNY 20. Those guests with the intention to purchase can find the bags easily in all guestrooms, public areas and hotel lobby.

“We are very proud to be one of the first hotels that launch this program; helping these families to make a living and receive education is just much more meaningful than simply donating money” said, Benoit Amado, the General Manager of Grand Mercure Hongqiao.

The launch of the sale of eco bags also demonstrates the commitment of Grand Mercure Hongqiao, one of Accor hotels, to contribute back to the Chinese Community, helping HIV/Aids affected women and children to build a better future.

Picture shows the original sketch of the eco-friendly bag by Tony Li.

Tony’s design concept:

The round dot represents each individual. The pink color represents hope and future. With this design, Tony calls for the unity of multi sectors, so that to maximize the power to provide support to Aids-impacted people.

Basic facts about the bag:

Material: cotton cream calico;

Length: 35cm;

Width: 33cm;

Empowerment Builds the Future:

a groundbreaking new initiative created to give back to the Chinese community. the “Empowerment Builds the Future” program will establish a workshop in Henan Province, and recruit and train women whose families have been affected by HIV/Aids, to produce eco-friendly bags. “The beauty of this program is that it is more than just donating money, it involves multi sectors and the community working together to create a sustainable, viable social enterprise,” says Robert Murray, Senior Vice President of Accor Greater China. “Lao Tzu once said that if you give a man a fish, he eats for one day; but teach a man to fish and he shall eat for a lifetime. We are working to give this community a skill that makes them self sufficient for the future.”

Accor Foundation:

Established by Accor in 2008 to support and develop its worldwide employees’ solidarity-based initiatives. The foundation is built around the concept of linking cultures by supporting the development of people and their integration into the community. This is achieved in three ways: supporting development of local skills and cultural assets, aiding young people in difficulty through vocational training and hiring programs and participating in humanitarian initiatives and emergency relief operations.

Chi Heng Foundation (CHF)

The Chi Heng Foundation (CHF), which means wisdom in action, was founded in 1998 and is active in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Anhui and Henan. By working with private donors, businesses, and partner NGOs, CHF offers help to any child with at least one parent who is living with or has died of HIV/Aids since 2002. CHF thus provides care not only to AIDS orphans, but also AIDS-affected children. By helping with their education and integrating them into society, CHF efforts aim to give AIDS-affected children a stronger sense of community and belonging. CHF also promises a long-term commitment to helping the children not only in completing their educations but also to receiving dependable and comprehensive support.