Leading the way in the hospitality sector, as the first charity of its kind, ‘Room to Reward’ is an exciting new scheme; enabling the hotel industry to recognise and reward deserving individuals within registered charities.
Due to the nature of the industry, many hotels are often left with vacant bedrooms, that haven’t been booked in advance. This charity has been created to allow hotels to donate these anticipated empty rooms to a deserving individual, with a complimentary stay, on a bed and breakfast basis.
By giving back to society and acknowledging those who offer their time for charities, both on a volunteer and low salary bracket basis, the scheme will reward those who couldn’t ordinarily afford to stay.
With the ‘Room to Reward’ those who deserve it, the charity is inviting all leading hotels to sign up for the scheme; offering selfless and inspiring unsung heroes the chance to spend quality time with their loved ones, or simply to take some time for themselves.
The charity was founded by Nicolas Roach, Chairman of Nicolas James Group, who then appointed Adam Terpening, a former Director of Harbour Hotels, to set up the charity. Other appointed trustees are David Guile, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Macdonald Hotels, and Bob Lowndes, currently Chief Executive of Autism Wessex.
Nicolas Roach, Chairman of the Nicolas James Group and Founder of the Charity, says “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to facilitate this initiative. We all know that there are so many hidden heroes in charities, who do amazing work for others and whose efforts often go unsung. Our ownership of hotels within our group opened our eyes to the simple and effective way the hotel industry can say “thank you”, through the ‘Room to Reward’ program.”
Adam Terpening, charity trustee, adds: “I believe that it is a very exciting initiative within the hotel industry, it is a fantastic opportunity for hotels to give something back, with huge reward for little effort.”
With a dedicated website, ‘Room to Reward’ has created a simple enquiry and booking system; allowing registered charities to nominate people within their organisation, who they feel worthy of a break.
Three charities that have already signed up to the scheme include Oakhaven Hospice Trust in Lymington, the Willow Foundation and Autism Wessex.
Andrew Ryde, Chief Executive of Oakhaven Hospice says: “This is a fantastic opportunity through which we can truly say thank you to those that both volunteer and work for us. We have a huge number of volunteers who so kindly give of their time and likewise we have a number of staff who would qualify for this benefit; all of which are incredibly committed to the future success of Oakhaven and this is a really imaginative way in which we can say thank you.”
Room to Reward will officially launch on Monday 6th July 2015, as the charity continues to encourage additional hotel partners and registered charities to join this exciting scheme.