Every summer, #NotInMyCity’s Seeing Yellow campaign invites businesses and communities to raise awareness about human trafficking in simple but meaningful ways. This annual campaign invites businesses and communities to take collective action against human trafficking through education, fundraising, and community engagement. At the heart of the campaign is #NotInMyCity’s yellow rose, a symbol of hope and a reminder that everyone has a role to play in raising awareness to help prevent human trafficking.
What began with one signature “Seeing Yellow cocktail” at the Calgary Marriott Downtown in 2022 has grown into an initiative spanning eight hotels across Western Canada, proving that even small ideas can have a meaningful impact.
Glenn Iles, Director of Sales and Marketing at Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, shares how a conversation with #NotInMyCity founder Paul Brandt inspired a growing movement within the hospitality industry.
A Partnership Takes Root
I first learned about #NotInMyCity while working at the Delta Hotel at the Calgary Airport. Around the same time, I had completed Marriott’s human trafficking awareness training and was invited to the annual YYC Airport Annual Golf Tournament in support of #NotInMyCity, where I had the opportunity to meet Paul Brandt and learn more about the organization’s work.
The cause really resonated with me. Human trafficking affects every community, and as someone working in hospitality, I believe our industry has an important role to play in recognizing the signs and helping prevent exploitation.
A couple of years ago, after joining the Calgary Marriott Downtown, I reconnected with #NotInMyCity through Morgan Melnyk. As we talked about growing his annual A Not So Silent Events concert fundraiser, I suggested hosting it on our rooftop patio. That conversation led to the first A Not So Silent Summer at the Calgary Marriott Downtown in 2022, and we’ve proudly hosted it ever since.
Cocktails that Spark Conversations
When we started planning for the second event three years ago, we created a signature cocktail and committed to donating one dollar from every drink sold to #NotInMyCity. The following summer, we decided to take it further and offer the cocktail on our menu throughout the whole summer as a part of the Seeing Yellow campaign, which we now continue to do every summer. For me, it wasn’t just about fundraising. It was about finding other ways to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking.
Every Seeing Yellow cocktail is served with a coaster featuring a QR code that encourages guests to learn more about #NotInMyCity. We also made sure our servers understood the campaign so they could answer questions and start conversations. Even if someone doesn’t order the featured cocktail, they might notice the yellow rose on a coaster or ask why our team members are wearing yellow pins.
I’ve experienced those conversations firsthand. I was showing a group around the hotel recently when someone noticed the yellow rose on my lapel pin and asked what it meant. That simple question gave me the opportunity to talk about human trafficking, the symbolism behind the yellow rose, and our hotel’s commitment to supporting #NotInMyCity. Their response was, “I really like that. It’s important to focus on.”
Moments like that remind me why awareness matters. Most people simply don’t realize how prevalent human trafficking is or the role we can all play in helping prevent it.
Growing the Movement
After seeing the impact at our hotel, I started talking to colleagues across the Marriott network. I knew this initiative aligned with Marriott’s commitment to combat human trafficking, so I encouraged other hotels to get involved.
Today, eight Marriott hotels are participating in the Seeing Yellow cocktail initiative. Other hotels have also created signature cocktails, while others introduced a beer or mocktail, with proceeds supporting #NotInMyCity. Prairie Creek Inn, based in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, named its Seeing Yellow cocktail “The Maddison” in honour of Maddison Fraser, whose legacy continues to inspire awareness, action, and hope for a future free from human trafficking. Each hotel brings its own creativity to the initiative, but the goal remains the same: raise awareness while supporting an important cause.
What excites me most is seeing the initiative spread beyond Calgary, and even beyond Alberta. This year, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort became the first participating hotel outside Alberta after we shared the idea with their team.
This is only the beginning. My goal is to see sixteen participating hotels next year.
A Hopeful Look Ahead
One thing I’ve learned is that awareness often begins with something small: a conversation over a cocktail. A yellow coaster on a table. A lapel pin that sparks a question.
Our industry receives extensive customer service training, but recognizing the subtle signs of human trafficking is much more nuanced. The more we educate ourselves, our teams, and our guests, the more prepared we are to recognize concerns and respond appropriately.
That’s why I’m committed to growing this initiative, bringing more hotels into the conversation, and helping raise awareness one guest at a time.
Every dollar raised through businesses that participate in the Seeing Yellow campaign helps support #NotInMyCity, and every conversation started helps raise awareness about human trafficking.
To learn more about the Seeing Yellow campaign and other ways to support #NotInMyCity, visit notinmycity.ca.
