‘Room to Reward’ charity launches in the UK

A charity that campaigns for the hotel industry to recognise and reward deserving individuals within registered charities has launched in the UK today. 

Room to Reward is calling on hotels to donate vacant bedrooms to “deserving individuals”, with a complimentary stay, on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

The scheme hopes to reward those who offer their time for charities – both on a volunteer and low salary bracket basis – who could not ordinarily afford to stay at a hotel.

The charity’s website has an enquiry and booking system, allowing registered charities to nominate people within their organisation who they feel are worthy of the break.

The charity, which was founded by Nicolas Roach, chairman of property investment and planning consultancy firm Nicolas James Group, is inviting hotels to sign up for the scheme.

Roach appointed Adam Terpening, a former director of Harbour Hotels, to set up the charity with other appointed trustees including David Guile, formerly CEO of Macdonald Hotels, and Bob Lowndes, currently chief executive of Autism Wessex.

Roach said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to facilitate this initiative. We all know that there are so many hidden heroes in charities, who do amazing work for others and whose efforts often go unsung.

“Our ownership of hotels within our group opened our eyes to the simple and effective way the hotel industry can say ‘thank you’, through the ‘Room to Reward’ program.”

Terpening added: “I believe that it is a very exciting initiative within the hotel industry, it is a fantastic opportunity for hotels to give something back, with huge reward for little effort.”

Three charities that have already signed up to the scheme include Oakhaven Hospice Trust in Lymington, the Willow Foundation and Autism Wessex.

Meanwhile six hotels have also signed up including four Harbour hotels, Park Mews in Surrey and Froyle Park in Hampshire.