The hospitality industry has celebrated a major milestone of donating £1million worth of hotel breaks to inspirational volunteers from various charities across the UK. The donation was made through Room to Reward, a charity founded in 2015 by Nicolas Roach which utilises unsold hotel rooms to thank the Hidden Heroes of volunteer organisations.
Adam Terpening, the charity’s Director, said: “£1million worth of breaks was the first milestone we set when Room to Reward started. Our progress was interrupted somewhat by the pandemic but we are absolutely delighted to have reached this target and hugely grateful to all of our wonderful supporters who have made it happen.”
The nominated volunteers have enjoyed stays in some of the UK’s most luxurious hotels, such as The Savoy, The Dorchester, Watergate Bay, The Torridon, The Lowry, Rockcliffe Hall, The Headland, Royal Lancaster, Farncombe Estate and The Grove of Narberth. The charity have also received support from hotel groups such as Harbour Hotels, Bespoke Hotels, Leonardo Hotels, Firmdale, Iconic Luxury Hotels, Legacy Hotels, Park Plaza, Cairn Group, St. Austell Brewery, Starboard Hotels, Clermont and Crerar Hotels.
Nominations have come from organisations across the voluntary sector, such as major national charities, local community groups and poverty relief services. Sir Andrew Gregory, Controller of SSAFA: The Armed Forces Charity, said: “The majority of our services is carried out by over 6000 volunteers. One of the challenges we face is how we can show appreciation for their commitment, particularly in terms of the time that they give. We have found the partnership with Room to Reward to be inspirational.”
Paul, who volunteered with Dreamflight for 29 years, described his break at Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa in Dorset as “absolutely fantastic”. He said: “It’s very humbling to be picked for something I’ve had the pleasure of doing for so many years. It’s an honour and a privilege to volunteer, but these breaks are very important and special for people like myself.”
Room to Reward now works with almost 1000 hotels and aims to deliver £1million worth of breaks – approximately 2000 – every year. Laura Sharpe, Director of Operations with Firmdale Hotels, said: “To see the impact that a stay in a room that would otherwise go unused has is just amazing. This is such an important and easy thing for hoteliers to be involved with.” Robin Sheppard, President of Bespoke Hotels, added: “Room to Reward is a genius concept. Simple, effective, highly motivational and something that everyone should be taking note of and taking part in. Together, we can really make a difference to the lives of those who deserve our thanks and applause.”
The hospitality industry has achieved a major milestone in donating £1million worth of hotel breaks to inspirational volunteers from various charities across the UK. The donation was made through Room to Reward, a charity founded in 2015 by Nicolas Roach which utilises unsold hotel rooms to thank the Hidden Heroes of volunteer organisations.
Adam Terpening, the charity’s Director, said: “£1million worth of breaks was the first milestone we set when Room to Reward started. Our progress was interrupted somewhat by the pandemic but we are absolutely delighted to have reached this target and hugely grateful to all of our wonderful supporters who have made it happen.”
The charity have received support from over 800 hotels across the UK, including luxurious establishments such as The Savoy, The Dorchester, Watergate Bay and The Torridon. They have also received support from various hotel groups, such as Harbour Hotels, Bespoke Hotels, Leonardo Hotels, Firmdale, Iconic Luxury Hotels, Legacy Hotels, Park Plaza, Cairn Group, St. Austell Brewery, Starboard Hotels, Clermont and Crerar Hotels.
Nominations have come from a range of organisations, such as major national charities, local community groups and poverty relief services. Paul, who volunteered with Dreamflight for 29 years, described his break at Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa in Dorset as “absolutely fantastic”.
Room to Reward now works with almost 1000 hotels and aims to deliver £1million worth of breaks, approximately 2000 breaks, each year. Laura Sharpe, Director of Operations with Firmdale Hotels, said: “To see the impact that a stay in a room that would otherwise go unused has is just amazing. This is such an important and easy thing for hoteliers to be involved with.”
The hospitality industry has achieved a major milestone of donating £1million worth
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.