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The combined fundraising and support efforts of Harbour Hotels in 2024 have contributed more than £33,000 to the unique hospitality-based charity, Room to Reward. As well as donating 20 breaks in unsold rooms across the group’s 14 properties to volunteers nominated for a well-earned break, Harbour Hotels have hosted three major fundraising events, run a number of fundraising campaigns themselves and assisted the charity with donated office space and operational support.
“The reality is that without the wonderful support of Harbour Hotels, Room to Reward would simply not exist,” said Adam Terpening, the charity’s Director. “They were the group that started our journey and, year after year, make the rest of what we do possible. We are immensely grateful to Mike Warren and the fantastic hotel and head office teams.”
Room to Reward works on a simple premise. Hotels, holiday parks and other accommodation providers donate unsold rooms during times of quiet occupancy. Charities, Community Groups, grassroots sports clubs and other organisations that rely on volunteers nominate their Hidden Heroes for a break. The Room to Reward team make it happen. To date, over 900 hotels across the U.K. have joined the journey and over 3000 volunteers – nominated by more than 1000 organisations – have enjoyed a break.
In 2024, more than 500 Room to Reward breaks have been arranged, 20 of which have been courtesy of Harbour Hotels. Volunteers from places like Barnardos, Young Lives vs Cancer, MyTime Young Carers and more have been welcomed across the group’s portfolio.
In addition to the breaks, Harbour Hotels hosted three major fundraising events. The Sail to Reward Regatta in June at Harbour Hotel Southampton raised over £25,000, while the Great Hampshire Menu at the same hotel in November generated more than £24,000. In between, Harbour Hotel Christchurch hosted the annual Room to Reward Golf Day, raising over £14,000.
Further fundraising efforts across the group saw over £8,500 generated through dish donations – 50p from every portion of fish & chips sold across the summer – with more donations generated through Spa Open Days and raffles at a variety of events across the year.
The Room to Reward team are also based in Harbour Hotels Head Office in Christchurch. The value of these direct fundraising contributions and donated support across the group is worth well over £33,000 to the charity.
Mike Warren – Managing Director of Harbour Hotels – also joined the Room to Reward Board of Trustees this year. “We are delighted to support Room to Reward,” he said. “The donated breaks are such a simple thing for hoteliers to do and a great way for our industry to utilise wasted assets in a meaningful way. It’s a fantastic charity to be part of and we look forward to continuing to work closely together.”
To find out more about the hotels, voluntary organisations and people involved with Room to Reward, visit: www.roomtoreward.org.
To find out more about the properties across the Harbour Hotels group, visit: www.harbourhotels.co.uk.
Hotel News is Sponsored by Harcus Parker
