Rezidor Hotels committed to upliftment

"Now in its 8th year, the Responsible Business programme is dedicated to three main areas of responsibility - the health and safety of employees and customers, respecting social and ethical issues in the company, as well as in the community and reducing the group's negative impact on the environment," says Han Oldenburger, Rezidor Hotel's regional director for Southern Africa.

"Our group organise social and environmental activities and raise funds to support our corporate charity organisation, the World Childhood Foundation."

Staff at the group's hotel in Sandton planted more than 80 trees in Mushroom Park closeby, visited Dogtown South Africa where they washed, fed and played with the animals, and spent a day at Hotel Hope orphanage caring for the children while the hardworking child-minders enjoyed a day of pampering at the five-star hotel. The hotel also donated a prize to the Cheshire Home for the Physically Disabled's golf day, and will be taking up clubs to join in the fun and support the cause.

Children spoiled with a lunch

Employees at another hotel in Sandton belonging to the group did basic maintenance work at Banakekeleni Aids Hospice and interacted with staff that cares for the terminally ill. Children at Tembisa community centre Ikhaya Lothando experienced a day in the life of a five-star hotel when they were invited to lunch at the glamorous new hotel. The hotel 'adopted' the home last year and interacts with them at least three times a year. Other planned activities include a festive season drop-off and a clothing drop-off.

The group's hotel in Port Elizabeth is raising funds to build a play park for children and has completed fundraising events including a winter ball, high tea and a charity golf day.

Staff at the group's hotel at the Waterfront in Cape Town donned their takkies and participated in the Peninsula School Feeding Association's Blisters for Bread Walk 2011 to raise funds to feed hungry pupils.