Superheroics, baking expertise and sporting prowess: they’re maybe not the first things that spring to mind when you think of a successful hotel.
But for staff at The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, raising thousands of pounds for a local charity is top on their super powered to-do list.
From team bowling nights to a breakfast bake sale - which attracted the Northsound One Breakfast Show team - the hotel’s staff have taken part in a variety of unusual fundraising challenges throughout 2015 to raise much needed funds for Aberdeen charity, Cash for Kids.
As part of Cash for Kids’ Bed Appeal, which seeks to provide much-needed beds for disadvantaged children, members of staff were sponsored to wear their pyjamas and slippers to work. The staff also participated in a bed making challenge for the appeal, putting their hospitality skills to the test to make the perfect bed against the clock.
Many of the team have also had their running shoes on, taking part in the Colour Me Rad race, and providing catering and marshalling for the annual Baker Hughes 10k. Another event saw the staff dressed as superheroes performing random acts of kindness to those visiting the hotel. Most popular amongst guests was the effort of two members of staff who dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and made it their mission to hand out the characters’ favourite food – pizza – to hotel guests.
Julia Leitch, Aberdeen Cluster Sales Office Manager, says, “It was important to us that the charity we supported in 2015 worked with the local community. The staff were all involved in selecting the charity, and Cash for Kids ticked all the boxes: the work they do with children in the north east is incredibly important, and we are proud to have been fundraising for such a worthwhile cause.
“At the beginning of October we held out first ever Volunteer Recognition Dinner in the hotel, which celebrated the efforts of Cash for Kids’ volunteers. But the year is not over yet, and we are looking forward to taking part in even more fundraising events between now and Christmas.”
The Aberdeen Altens Hotel still has a number of fundraising events coming up. As part of Mission Christmas, the hotel will become a drop-off point for presents for disadvantaged children in the area. New and unwrapped gifts can be handed in for children and young people aged 0-18, and many of the staff have already pledged their support for the cause. The team will also aid the Coats for Kids Appeal.
The Aberdeen Altens Hotel is part of The Hotel Collection, which has two other venues in the city – The Caledonian Hotel and The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel. There are 446 bedrooms across the three venues, and each has conferencing and banqueting facilities. The Aberdeen Altens Hotel also has a health and leisure club. Further information is available at www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/aberdeen