By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BARU:  Hosting the needy and underprivileged to Ramadhan buffet was just one of the ways of sharing this wonderful season with them.

Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri hosted the Rumah Fitrah Qaseh Orphanage and Pusat Jagaan Impian Syimah Old Folks Home to a break fast recently.

Some 22 children from the orphanage and ten old folks accompanied by their guardians were treated by the hotel to a grand Ramadhan break fast.

Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri general manager Charanita Gill in welcoming the guests said, “As hoteliers we are passionate about caring for society by engaging in solidarity projects which is an important component in our social responsibility.”

Ramadhan is the month of giving and forgiveness. “It’s the perfect time to show the hotel’s commitment to delivering on our social obligations, especially to the underserved community.”

This event, she said, was to express our gratitude to our local community and Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri believes in positive hospitality.

She said Ramadhan is a time for compassion and the hotel is delighted to do their bit for the less fortunate.

Charanita said the event was meant to forge closer ties with the community.

It has been a delightful experience to share Ramadhan cheer with the needy children and the elderly,” she said.

A buffet spread that featured thirst quenching beverages, variation of local salads, main dishes and desserts were served.

The event was made memorable when Charanita handed out duit raya to the special children and senior citizens.

Charanita Gill gives away duit raya to the guests

She said one of Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri’s values was “Uplifting the Community”.

“It is nice to see the smiles in their faces as they indulge in a lavish spread of local dishes including nasi beriani and our signature asam pedas,” she said.

From mee kari and mee rebus to an assorted varieties of otak-otak,  and a variety of luscious cakes, traditional kuih and ice cream, the children were spoiled for choice with endless food options from the local and international cuisine.

She stressed that it was an effort to promote the spirit of goodwill and togetherness particularly during the holy month.

“We should not forget to play our part and support the community despite the hectic pace of life, as a small gesture can often make a difference in another’s life,” she remarked.

The hotel’s department heads spent quality time with the children and the old folks to ensure they had a wonderful time at the hotel.

The hotel recognises the magnitude when a child is mentally healthy. A mentally healthy child tends to be happier, show greater motivation to learn and generally have a more positive attitude in life.”

Everyone present was treated to a reminiscent of a kampung feast featuring over 100 heritage and traditional cuisines on its extensive menu.

 “The programme this evening reflects our goodwill in line with the core values embedded in Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

“This is an ideal platform for us to spread our values in dealing with social and environmental concerns, as well as in carrying out our responsibility as a corporate citizen that cares, and in the most earnest and ethical way, build an all-caring community that transcends racial and religious boundaries,” Charanita added.

Adding to the festive cheer, the hotel’s team donated food provisions, goodie bags and duit raya to the old folks and children.

Ibis Styles staff with the orphans