As Hilton marks its 100 years in hospitality in 2019, the brand has launched a series of events to mark its impact in local communities. In the month of February, the food & beverage department celebrated Hilton’s Global Week of F&B. The 160 member team led by Priyal Wijesuriya, director of food & beverage, launched a meaningful activation to successfully integrate Hilton’s sustainability and corporate responsibility initiative - Travel with Purpose into the lives of guests, Team Members, and community during this week.
Volunteering over 535 hours, the team looked at long-term sustainability by donating and planting over five hundred vegetable crops to the Deaf School in Ratmalana with the objective of repurchasing it for the hotel’s use. While the organic produce will mean that there’s sustainable sourcing, it will be an additional source of income for this institute.
The team was instrumental in sourcing the crop, setting the soil, and planting it. This event concluded with a tea party organized for 120 children of the facility. Tomatoes, eggplants, ridge gourd, green chilli, capsicum, and ladies’ fingers were amongst the donated plants.
Speaking of the F&B Week 2019, food & beverage director Priyal Wijesuriya said that the team was inspired to drive this campaign as the purpose of the company aligned with their personal beliefs. “One hundred and sixty team members volunteered 535 hours apart from their daily workload to complete this project – I was amazed at the dedication and commitment everyone displayed. By donating these five hundred plants of tomatoes, eggplant, ridge gourd, green chilli, capsicum and ladies’ fingers, we anticipate repurchasing these items for our cooking purposes. The school will be able to have an additional source of income, while the hotel benefits by having sustainably grown food”, said Wijesuriya.
The project was birthed by Hilton’s sustainability programme ‘Travel with Purpose’ which led to creating a lasting partnership with the local community.
In a recent fire, a Team Member’s home was left severely damaged. The estimated damages amounted to Rs. 1.2 million that took a toll on the family. The team unanimously rallied together to clear out the damage and rebuild the structure of pillars for the value exceeding Rs. 200,000 - a sense of family was fostered as they stood together during trying times experienced by one of their members. Travel with Purpose to the team meant being there to support one another when other means failed.
Recognition is an important element of the culture at Hilton Colombo Residences. Priyal and his leaders took the time to recognize team members who not only shined in their respective roles but also those who volunteer of their time and skills, too. The funding for these projects was raised with a car wash and voluntary contributions. To end an eventful week, a corporate blessing was held at the neighbouring Gangarama Temple presided by the chief priest.
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