Room to Reward, the charity that utilises unsold hotel rooms to thank volunteers from charities, community groups and other organisations, has officially donated £1million worth of breaks. Founded in 2015 by Nicolas Roach, owner of The Nici in Bournemouth, Room to Reward has delivered over 2000 breaks in more than 800 hotels across the UK.
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.”
Nominations have come from organisations across the voluntary sector, including major national charities such as Samaritans, NSPCC, St. John Ambulance and Action for Children, as well as local community groups. Room to Reward has been supported by a wide range of 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, Crerar Hotels and more.
Sir Andrew Gregory, Controller of SSAFA: The Armed Forces Charity, said: “The majority of our services – delivering support, dignity and respect to veterans and their families – 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, a volunteer with Dreamflight for 29 years, enjoyed a break at Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa in Dorset. He said: “Absolutely fantastic, the whole thing was wonderful. All I can say is that 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 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.”
Room to Reward has officially donated £1million worth of breaks to volunteers from charities, community groups, grass roots sports clubs and more. The charity has delivered over 2000 breaks in more than 800 hotels across the U.K., with the support of a wide range of hotel groups. This has had a hugely significant impact on the sector, with volunteers enjoying breaks in luxurious locations and feeling appreciated for their hard work and commitment. Room to Reward now works with almost 1000 hotels and aims to deliver £1million worth of breaks – approximately 2000 – every year.
