How it works

The Make a Difference program is a simple, yet effective, way of empowering hotels to make a difference in their communities. Upon arrival at a hotel, guests are invited to add US$1 (or local currency equivalent) to their bill upon check out, as a donation to CANDi. Any guest not wishing to donate merely informs reception accordingly.

The Need

CANDi works with the tourist industry in the Caribbean and Mexico to help save the lives of stray cats and dogs while improving the vacation experience at the same time, as the sight of animal suffering can ruin a vacation for animal-loving tourists. A study conducted by the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association found that multiplied by the large number of resort destinations, the total loss of tourism revenue impact from animal suffering could be in the HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS. Since there is little funding available from local governments to address the problem, and it does impact tourism in a negative way, a partnership with CANDi will create the long-term humane solution these destinations so desperately need.

The Benefits

• Improve the vacation experience for your guests.
• Increase your business through repeat visits and favorable word of mouth.
• Increase your business by sharing your compassionate practice with joining our network of millions of animal loving tourists who will hear how you are helping
• Build your image of compassion and sustainability at almost no cost to you
• Receive customized marketing materials and one-on-one training in program implementation (The cost of guest notification materials is reimbursed by CANDi from the initial donation)
• Create long-term change for the stray dog and cat overpopulation in your community through sterilization and education programs
• Empower local community organizations to implement animal welfare programs that will instill pride and enhance the atmosphere of local neighborhoods
• Show your support of local animal organizations, which receives 100% of the donations received
• Select your own list of local charities to receive funding. If you choose, CANDi would share the donation with another local charity you support.
• By working with CANDi you will know that 100% of the money goes to the animals

How is the money used?

• To provide free spay/neuter and other veterinary services to low-income families in your neighborhood.
• Humanely reducing the stray animal population through sterilization and education programs.
• Introducing the local animal group to a contact at the hotel to help set up the Cat Café program – if applicable.
• Offer initial and continuing training to hotel staff – if applicable/as needed.

How much can each hotel expect to raise?

Though results vary, we have found that about 75% of guests choose to donate. That means a 100 room hotel with a 50% annual occupancy and 75% of guests donating $1 per night can raise almost $14,000 a year!

The Responsibilities - CANDi

• Provide a letter of agreement between CANDi and hotel.
• Produce printed materials for display such as key-folders, tent cards in rooms, posters, notices on the folio, in room video.
• Supply the hotel with a quarterly update of where the money is being spent.
• Introducing the local animal group to a contact at the hotel to help set up the Cat Café program – if applicable.
• Offer initial and continuing training to hotel staff – if applicable/as needed.
• Promote your hotel as a humane and responsible destination of choice for animal-loving tourists.

The Responsibilities - Hotel

• Offer guests the option of contributing $1 per night.
• Transfer donated funds to CANDi on a monthly basis via check or electronic transfer.
• Provide CANDi with a main point of contact to ensure continuity and seamless implementation and maintenance of these programs.
• Collaborate with CANDi to make the public aware of these programs.

About the Make a Difference Program

1. The program is modeled after a very successful hotel program originally conceived by Starwood Hotels in Australia, which has raised over $20 million dollars in 5 years.

2. CANDi chose this model for its Make a Difference Program because:

• In the US, 30 smaller hotels raised over $20,000 per month during the pilot stage and are now set for a major rollout.
• Guests can opt-out with no hassle but the majority will choose to participate and feel good about contributing to the community.
• The simple "Opt-in" system requires minimal staff training and expenses for the hotel while delivering maximum benefits in global good will and community service.