Share and make others happy!
No matter if it is Christmas, Chinese New Year, Diwali or Easter: it is never a bad time to share useful gifts with others. You as a hotel have a huge influence not only donating gifts on your own but also inspiring your employees and guests to do the same. Here are some ideas and hints how you can make others and the planet happy:
Identify Local Charities and Organizations:
Research and collaborate with local charities, shelters, or community organizations that work with underprivileged individuals. Establish partnerships to ensure that your donations reach those who need them the most. You can surely find local versions of initiatives such as The Christmas Box or Chiltern Toy Bank.Â
Gift Collection:
Set up collection points within the hotel where employees and guests can donate gifts. Clearly communicate the types of items needed, such as clothing, toys, non-perishable food items, and personal care products.
Employee Engagement:
Encourage employees to actively participate in the donation drive. Consider organizing friendly competitions or incentives to boost employee engagement and make the initiative a collective effort.
Incentivize Guest Participation:
Implement a guest incentive program where guests are encouraged to contribute to the donation drive. Offer small discounts at the bar or in the restaurant, loyalty points, or other perks as a token of appreciation for their generosity.
Promote Transparency:
Keep employees and guests informed about the progress of the donation drive. Share updates on the quantity of items collected, highlight impactful stories, and showcase the positive outcomes of their contributions. You can even host an event where you meet with the ones receiving the gifts and celebrate together. Make sure that you never position yourself as the savior but communicate on an eye-sight and treat everybody with respect.
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Volunteer Opportunities:
Provide employees with opportunities to volunteer their time at local charities or organizations. The annual International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is a great opportunity for that. This hands-on experience can deepen their connection to the community and amplify the impact of the donation initiative. If you look for alternatives, it is also a great idea to grant one free and paid volunteer day / year which every staff member can take independently.
Acknowledgment and Recognition:
Recognize and appreciate the efforts of both employees and guests who contribute to the donation drive or volunteer in any other way. Consider displaying a gratitude board in the hotel to acknowledge the collective impact of everyone involved.
Extend the Program Year-Round:
Instead of limiting the donation drive to specific seasons, consider making it a year-round initiative. This ensures a continuous positive impact on the community and allows the hotel to maintain an ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Feel free to still use special days to highlight your engagement, visiting for instance the facilities you donate the goods to or invite them to spend a day at your hotel.
Feel free to add your own creativity to these ideas! Reach out if you have best-practices which we can display and share with the community.