Rezidor Hotel Group got active this month. As part of their ‘Responsible Business Action Month’, staff spent two and a half weeks working at the Missionaries of Charity, helping to serve food to the homeless.
Here’s how they got on.
‘Our theme for Responsible Business Action Month 2010 was Take ACTION in the Community. The intention was to encourage our hotels to be good neighbours and responsible citizens in their local community, working with other businesses and residents as well as charities, parks, schools, hospitals, shelters, orphanages, care homes and other worthy institutions. Staff at the Corporate Office in Brussels wanted to play a pro-active role this year so we committed to help the Missionaries of Charity serve a meal to the homeless each day for two and a half weeks, after being introduced to the project by Serve the City.
The tireless Sisters at the Missionaries of Charity serve a meal to up to 180 people in need each day. The vast majority of attendees are men and from abroad. Some are homeless, some suffer from addictions and some have just recently fallen on hard times. They speak a variety of languages and many have interesting stories to tell.
Three Rezidor staff members assisted each day. There is no time for nerves or dilly-dallying with the Sisters so we got stuck straight in; fast-paced hotel training came in handy! The Sisters run a very efficient operation and the atmosphere was friendly. The work is straight-forward and every pair of hands makes a difference. We also assisted the Sisters in tidying their basement which was full to the brim of donated clothes.
My colleagues only had positive things to say about the experience and many will try to go back during the year. We are already thinking of how we can help again next September and how we can help meet the needs of the Sisters and the people they serve.’
If Rezidor has inspired you and your company to follow in their footsteps, find out about corporate social responsibility opportunities, including volunteering, on the STC & CSR page or contact us.
