PROTEA MAKES CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED

10 December 2008: Christmas is a time of joy for many, yet a time of deep sadness for a lot of people who have nowhere to go, or are not in a financial position to celebrate. As a part of a commitment to various community projects around the country, a number of Protea Hotels have made an effort to make the festive season special for those who do not have the opportunity to rejoice.

Protea Hotel Edward in Durban treated children from the Sinethemba Home for Street Kids to a Christmas Party with lots to eat and gifts for every child.

  • Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Central has donated food parcels to Bloemfontein Child & Family Welfare, which will be distributed to underprivileged families.

Protea Hotel Saldanah Bay has committed to a feeding programme with one of the local schools and gives sandwiches to underprivileged children and those with unemployed parents three times a week.

Protea Hotel Mafikeng has sold linen that was written-off during the course of the year and, with some of the proceeds made from the sales as well as sponsors from the local community, are renovating the crèche and 2 classrooms that burnt down early this year. They have also bought toys and will host local children for a fun-filled Christmas lunch at the hotel.

  • Protea Hotel Waterfront Centurion is involved in two projects – firstly, they will be helping Net Children's Safe House and have invited them for a Christmas breakfast at the hotel where presents will be handed out. The next project is Centurion Old Age Home, where a Christmas cake will be dropped off for the elderly residents and STAFF from the hotel will spend time with those who have nowhere to go for the festive season.

"We encourage hotels to give back to their communities and the added touch over Christmas makes it all worthwhile and brings smiles to everyone's faces," said Danny Bryer, Marketing and Revenue Director, Protea Hotels. "I am personally very touched by the efforts our hotels have made and commend and thank them for making a difference."

Each Protea Hotel commits to a sustainable CSI project that benefits its surrounding community.