JOHOR BAHRU: The Gift of Hope Christmas Tree Program, an endearing project to provide seasonal cheer to youngsters in need, is back for its second year at ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri, a hotel managed by Accor.

This year, the hotel is honored to work with Villa Paulos, a home that provides care for impoverished children and orphans.

A component of ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, the Gift of Hope Christmas Tree Program complements Accor’s dedication to sustainability and a community-focused strategy.

According to ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri, their hospitality extends to the local community, where they give more than they receive.

The goal of this joint endeavor with Paul Netto, chairman of Villa Paulos, is to provide youngsters who struggle in their daily life with a joyful and significant festive experience.

The children of Villa Paulos have sent wishing cards to Santa for Christmas, which are displayed on a Christmas Wishing Tree at the hotel as part of this program.

The hotel has extended an invitation to its valued visitors, partners, and suppliers to grant these children their wishes. The children’s wishes are fulfilled by this act, guaranteeing that they will feel the warmth and joy of the season.

This holiday initiative transcends mere gift-giving; it serves as a significant reminder of the value of community, compassion, and support. The Gift of Hope Christmas Tree Program, organized by the hotel, seeks to illuminate this festive season for children who are deserving of love, hope, and happiness.

The hotel warmly encourages all individuals to join in this uplifting initiative and contribute to the dissemination of the Christmas spirit by engaging in this charitable campaign.

In her address at the event, the hotel’s general manager Charanita Gill welcomed guests, valued partners, close friends and dedicated colleagues, the heartists of the hotel.

She said, “It is truly a magnificent sight to behold so many remarkable individuals gathered here this evening! I take great pride in hosting this delightful dual celebration marking the 3rd anniversary of ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri and the Christmas Cocktail 2024, all enveloped in the radiant elegance of tonight’s theme: Silver and Gold – A Night to Remember.”

In contemplating this journey, she said they take pride in the numerous milestones that have led them to this point. Over the past three years, the hotel has dedicated itself to sustainability, placing people and nature at the heart in its operations.

“A significant achievement that we are particularly proud of is our status as the sole hotel in Johor to have eradicated single-use plastics from all areas accessible to guests,” she stressed.

Currently, she said the hotel is diligently pursuing the International Green Key certification. This endeavor transcends mere compliance; it involves a comprehensive reevaluation of our operational practices, a commitment to minimizing our environmental impact, and a focus on fostering a positive influence within our community.

She pointed out that the process of achieving Green Key certification is still in progress, driven by the unwavering dedication and hard work of the hotel team.

She also conveyed her sincere appreciation to the hotel owners, the dedicated hotel team, their business partners, stakeholders, and their valued guests.

“The remarkable journey of the past three years would not have been possible without the contributions of each and every one of you. I would like to extend my gratitude to all our suppliers,” she remarked.

Not mincing her words, she said, their unwavering commitment to providing the essential items for the hotel, along with their dependable service and high-quality products, ensures that the hotel operations run seamlessly behind the scenes.

Each item you supply plays a crucial role in delivering the exceptional service that our guests have come to expect.

She mentioned that they are excited to announce the return of The Gift of Hope Christmas Tree Program for its second year, and are particularly appreciative of their partnership with Villa Paulos.

“This initiative embodies our commitment to the local community and our conviction in the significance of kindness and compassion. We aspire for this program to motivate others to collaborate with us in creating a positive impact in the lives of these children,” she asserted.

She went on to say that Accor’s principle of “placing people at the heart of hospitality” is essential and serves as the cornerstone of its operations.

“This evening, I convey my sincere appreciation to my team for your invaluable contributions over the last three years. Your commitment and diligence are the driving forces behind our success, and the celebration of our 3rd year anniversary tonight stands as a testament to that dedication,” she affirmed.

To enhance the significance of this Christmas season, the hotel is excited to announce the continuation of The Gift of Hope Christmas Tree program for a second year.

This year, they are pleased to partner with Villa Paulos, a residence committed to the care of orphans and disadvantaged children. This initiative embodies our commitment to the local community and their conviction in the transformative power of kindness and compassion.

“We aspire that this program will motivate others to participate in creating a substantial impact in the lives of these children,” she stated.

She also took the opportunity to express her heartfelt appreciation to all those who have generously embraced the Christmas wishes of the children from this orphanage by choosing from the numerous Wish List tags displayed on the Christmas Tree in the lobby.

“I am confident that the children will be overjoyed to receive their gifts on Christmas Day and will be profoundly thankful, recognizing that the spirit of Christmas, characterized by connection and joy, continues to illuminate this season,” she added.

The Gift of Hope Christmas Tree Program serves as a remarkable illustration of what they can achieve when they unite with compassion and a shared purpose.

Meanwhile Villa Paulos chairman Paul Netto said he was thankful to the hotel for at least thinking of the home during this festive season.

He also commended the hotel for spreading the spirit of sharing and caring, adding that, “the children will be delighted to receive their gifts donated by the hotel.”

“Christmas is a about giving and taking care of each other for the greater good,” said Netto.

Villa Paulos is a home in Jalan Mariammah that provides shelter for neglected, exploited, abused, abandoned and orphaned children. Currently, there are 17 children aged between 7 to 17 years residing there.