Wednesday, 16 February 2010

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), in partnership with The Salvation Army, raised more than $26,000 to send disadvantaged families on holidays as part of the nationwide Give a Family a Break initiative.

Staff from IHG raised a total of $26,417 through local activities, including sausage sizzles, online auctions for hotel packages, coin donation boxes at hotel receptions and other creative projects.

“We were so pleased to see our diverse staff – from head chefs to conference bookers to reception employees – doing what they can to give these families a holiday,” says Wellington-based Director of Sales and Marketing for IHG, Geoff Naumann. “We believe that being a part of the travel industry makes it our privilege to provide even a small holiday for families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go away this summer.”

Families chosen for Give a Family a Break were referred by Salvation Army centres throughout New Zealand, based on their need and family situation. More than 30 families received all-expenses paid camping-style holidays, including transport, a food hamper and tickets to local attractions.

“We at The Salvation Army think it’s very important to give families time out to spend with each other,” says Salvation Army Public Relations Secretary, Major Robbie Ross. “Breaks can be very therapeutic times, especially for families who always have so much going on in their lives.”

The Salvation Army would like to thank IHG for their incredible generosity. Both The Salvation Army and IHG look forward to Give a Family a Break being even more successful this year. IHG teams are already looking at creative ideas to raise funds as they kick off a new Give a Family a Break sponsorship in April.

ENDS

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