The Ascott Limited in the Philippines and CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Ascott's parent company, CapitaLand, have donated a total of PHP1.87 million to World Vision for its relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by the super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

The donation includes contribution from Ascott's local and international employees and its residents staying in its three operating serviced residences in the Philippines – Ascott Makati, Somerset Millennium Makati and Somerset Olympia Makati. CapitaLand Hope Foundation contributed a total of PHP850,000 from its online donation drive wherein it donated PHP70 for every electronic Christmas greeting card sent from its website.

Mr Arthur Gindap, Ascott's Regional General Manager for the Philippines and Thailand, said: "We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we've received from our residents, local staff and colleagues abroad for our donation drive to aid the victims of typhoon Yolanda through World Vision. Together with CapitaLand Hope Foundation, we hope that our contribution will help in rebuilding the lives of the people affected."

Mr Gindap added: "Aside from financial aid, about 40 of our employees have volunteered daily for one week in the packing of relief goods bound for Tacloban. We are also planning to go to Tacloban to assist World Vision in the construction of new homes."

Mr Tan Seng Chai, CapitaLand Limited's Group Chief Corporate Officer and CapitaLand Hope Foundation's Executive Director, said: "Typhoon Yolanda unfortunately affected the livelihoods of thousands in the Philippines. Many of the victims are children. We hope that these donations can help to bring some relief during this difficult time and contribute towards rebuilding the lives of these children and their families. The reliefs, which include basic necessities such as food, water and shelter, will hopefully bring them comfort and hope. These efforts reinforce CapitaLand Hope Foundation's commitment to promote social growth and development of underprivileged children in their education, healthcare and shelter needs."

Since launching its relief response, World Vision has distributed food, non-food items such as blankets and mosquito nets, hygiene kits and shelter kits to over 105,000 families in seven provinces. To ease traumas following disasters, the child-focused humanitarian agency has also set up 45 child-friendly spaces that have benefitted close to 15,000 children.

Mr Jun Godornes, World Vision's Associate Director for National Resource Development said: "World Vision is truly grateful to the people of Ascott and CapitaLand Hope Foundation, for their hearts and generosity to share hope with thousands of the survivors. With your support and prayers, you have enabled World Vision to reach about 570,000 typhoon survivors in the hardest hit areas of Cebu, Samar, Leyte, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan. With your continued partnership, we can help people rebuild their homes, livelihood, and ensure the well-being of children through interventions in education and health."

Supporting disaster relief efforts is one of the ways Ascott does its part for the communities which it operates in. With the support of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, Ascott has also extended emergency relief to victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011,the Sumatra earthquake in Indonesia and typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines in 2009. Ascott in the Philippines also donated relief items for the victims of the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu in October 2013.

About The Ascott Limited

Since pioneering Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with more than 940 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott's presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.

Ascott's diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, co-living properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello; and it has a brand partnership with Domitys. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott's loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.

A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

For more information on Ascott's industry record of 40 years and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

About CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 September 2023, CLI had S$133 billion of real estate assets under management, and S$90 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.

CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand's development arm.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Visit http://www.capitalandinvest.com/ for more information.

Jasmine SIM
Manager, Corporate Communications, The Ascott Ltd
(65) 6823 3249
The Ascott Limited