Children combine charity and art for the Box Appeal 2011

Children from the Lycee Georges Pompidou School recently took part in an art competition to mark the end of The Box Appeal 2011. 30 children across various age ranges were asked to design a new logo for the annual charity campaign. 

The Box Appeal created and run by Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in the Middle East started on the15^th of August and ends on the 30^th of September. Held in conjunction with the Red Crescent, the campaign aims to provide labourers across the UAE with essential every day necessities.

Due to The Box Appeal’s growing success over the last four years, for 2011 the appeal was given a new look and brand from local design agency North55.

Children from the Lycee Georges Pompidou School were asked to design and draw their ideas for The Box Appeal logo. Many of them took inspiration from the new logo designed by North55 and put their own spin on it. North55 and the official sponsors, the Radio 1 Breakfast were the judges for the competition.

The winner of the competition was 11 year old Gaia Rondard, the runners up were Marie-Louise Galoisy and Sheena Maucuer, 16 and 13 years of age respectively.

Throughout The Box Appeal 2001 schools have been the single biggest contributor to the campaign.

The children from the Lycee Georges Pompidou School have donated 300 boxes. Schools throughout the UAE have collectively donated around 4,000 boxes.

“It’s been great to see how much enthusiasm children have had for The Box Appeal campaign over the last month. They’ve been dedicated to filling boxes and helping those in need but they’ve also used their imagination and creativity. This competition is just one example, other children have included pictures, poems and songs inside the boxes, adding that very special personal touch.

The Box Appeal has been a great way to bring the community- young and old- together.” said Marko Hytonen Area Vice President for The Rezidor Hotel Group.

The Box Appeal asks people to give back to those who need it most by filling a small box with a list of everyday items, such as toothpaste, t-shirt, a cap and shaving cream. To take part all participants have to do is pick up a box from any Radisson Blu or Park Inn Hotel in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah fill with the list of items and return to the hotel.

The Box Appeal was initially founded by Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai, Media City, the first campaign was such a success in the following years Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in Abu Dhabi Yas Island also joined the campaign. Over the four years the appeal has run, over 20,000 boxes have been donated, the equivalent of 2 million AED.

Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels are managed by The Rezidor Hotel Group. Rezidor was one of the first international hotel groups to implement a companywide initiative focusing on health & safety for guests and employees, on respect for social and ethical issues within the company, and on a reduced negative impact on the environment. In 2010 and 2011, Rezidor was named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.