‘Hosts across Canada have opened their doors and offered places to stay for frontline responders’
Workers’ union SEIU Healthcare has signed a partnership with hospitality company Airbnb to provide its members who are fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis direct access to book free accommodation in the Greater Toronto Area.
"We are in constant awe of the dedication and resilience of frontline responders who risk their health and lives to protect and care for our communities," said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-founder, CEO and Head of Community. "Hosts across Canada have opened their doors and offered places to stay for frontline responders, we're grateful for their generosity and commitment to help.”
Chesky has committed nearly $500,000 USD ($700,000 CAD) of his personal money toward the Frontline stays program. This contribution will go towards paying Toronto-area hosts to help fulfill stays for the responders via the Airbnb platform and for stays via HotelTonight, a part of the Airbnb family.
While the no-cost stays are being booked through SEIU Healthcare, frontline responders can also book free and paid stays directly on the Airbnb platform by visiting https://www.airbnb.com/covid19relief-guests. Airbnb will waive its service fees on the first 100,000 stays booked through the Frontline stays program.
"SEIU Healthcare members are on the frontline of this crisis, working to care for the sick and protect the public from exposure, this partnership will provide necessary places to rest between shifts," said Sharleen Stewart, President of SEIU Healthcare.
Airbnb has formed similar partnerships to support frontline responders in New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles.
