THE RITZ-CARLTON hotel chain, known for its genteel motto “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen”, also helps them do their bit for charity.
The chain has pioneered a series of volunteering packages, entitled Giveback Getaways, which allow residents in its properties the world over to feel good by doing good.
This autumn sees the latest offering, a chance for guests at the Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen, in China, to undertake fieldwork to help protect a local mangrove wetland.
The wetland is an urban oasis in a built up area and an important “rest station” for migratory birds. Guests’ time is spent planting trees, removing invasive species of plant and building birdhouses.
Other initiatives range from serving meals at homeless shelters to helping build homes. It evolved out of feedback from guests which indicated that many, particularly those visiting the developing world, wanted to assist the communities they had visited.
And rather than having corporate heads choose which community or environmental organisations to partner with, that decision is left to employees at each individual hotel.
At the Ritz Carlton in Enniskerry, for example, guests can put in a half day painting murals and working in the sensory garden at the Sunshine Home in Leopardstown, a palliative care centre for children.
It costs the guest nothing but time, the hotel will organise transport and you’ll even get a reduced overnight rate if you participate. Talk about your win win – see ritzcarlton.com for more.
