MPI Foundation commits $20,000 to directly aid Ukrainian hospitality students. DALLAS (April 5, 2022) - With every passing day, the invasion of Ukraine and the devastating humanitarian crisis that is unfolding has many dimensions. Beyond Ukraine’s borders, the military action impacts everyday life for Ukrainian hospitality students in neighboring Poland.

Since MPI’s March 1st joint board meeting, the MPI Foundation has been reviewing opportunities to provide direct support to the meetings and events industry, and more specifically to Ukrainian hospitality students studying in Poland who have been affected by the war. The opportunity was presented by Global Board of Trustees member Dr. Krzysztof Celuch, who has been actively ensuring students have the essentials for day-to-day living within their community. The critical channel to facilitating relief came through the MPI Poland chapter leaders who collaborated to act as intermediaries. Like many organizations, MPI and MPIF have sought an appropriate means to provide aid during the crisis.

While dozens of international agencies have been successful in supporting accommodations and logistics, most of these Ukrainian students will not be able to remain enrolled due to a lack of financial support and fear of a limited future. It was this specific challenge where the MPI Poland chapter and the MPI Foundation saw a means to support the next generation of event professionals in a time when they need it most.

“We have been solely focused on being able to add support where there is none,” stated Kevin Kirby, executive director of the MPI Foundation. “While other industry associations graciously offered funds towards overarching relief efforts, we have sought to engage efforts that mirror the foundation’s purpose -- to fund grants, scholarships and pan-industry research in support of the global meeting and event industry.”

As a result, MPI Poland applied for a grant to prevent the disruption of careers due to students’ financial situations. “With humanitarian aid covering essentials, we are seeking to ensure our pipeline of future talent remains in our industry and can complete their university studies,” shared Dr. Celuch, of Vistula University in Poland and MPI Foundation Trustee.

Effective immediately, the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees has directed USD 10,000 to support the educational costs of Ukrainian final year students at Vistula University. In addition, these students have each been provided with a complimentary MPI membership to allow access to industry resources and invite them into a supportive community.

To inspire more support, the foundation will match an additional USD $10,000 donated by members of the industry. Donations can be made at www.mpifoundation.org/UkraineRelief, effective now through Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

MPI will also support fundraising efforts during the GLOBAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY DAY broadcast. “We are asking our community to help support the continuing education of dozens of Ukrainian university students enrolled in the hospitality programs at designated Polish universities,” echoed Kirby. “Join us during GMID 2022, to rally around our global community!”  

Media Contact: Peggy Foley, communications@mpi.org; 972-365-7984