Expanded ‘Meetings That Matter’ program makes a positive impact at Fairmont in the Middle East and beyond

Every day Fairmont strives to not only be an outstanding, ethical employer, but also a community leader respectful of the extraordinary places where it operates. That’s why Fairmont has introduced the Meetings that Matter program to help not only the luxury brand’s associates and colleagues, but also its guests to become involved in making a difference. Meetings and conferences can have a positive impact beyond the meeting room, as companies and planners alike seek out ways to give back to the communities and destinations where they gather. Whether it’s cleaning up local waterways, assisting local shelters or building homes for Habitat for Humanity, every Fairmont now offers a powerful way for groups to give back. These activities are gaining a reputation for fostering stronger ties among colleagues and attendees, who can work together to leave a positive impression on their chosen destination, while also creating lasting memories. 

Additionally, the Meetings That Matter charitable donation component has been extended through 2012.  Planners booking a new meeting with a minimum of 50 room nights may donate 10 percent of the room revenue generated by the event to a charitable organization. Planners can determine the charity of choice, whether it is a cause that resonates most strongly with attendees, a local organization in need, or one of Fairmont’s corporate partners, which include the National Geographic Society, WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. To learn more, planners can visit fairmont.com/meetingsthatmatter. Additional opportunities for groups to give back include: 

Middle East 

Makkah Clock Royal Tower in Saudi Arabia offers many opportunities for groups to give back. The on-going Feel your Senses program supports people who are visually impaired by giving them the financial assistance they need to regain their sight. The program supports their medical costs and after the procedure, the patient will come to the hotel to rest, recover and remove their bandages and enjoy the view of the Holy Haram. 

Fairmont Bab al Bahr in Abu Dhabi gives guests the opportunity to participate in two international celebrations for the environment each year.  For Earth Hour, held annually in late March, the hotel works with the World Wildlife Federation and Emirates Wildlife Society in developing an initiative to reduce energy consumption by hosting a 24-hour cycle-a-thon in the lobby where participants cycle on static bikes to create sufficient energy to power a TV screen displayed in the lobby. A percentage of donations from the dinners purchased on Earth Hour are provided to WWF and Emirates Wildlife Society.  For Earth Day, April 22, a Beach Clean-Up is organized on the shores of the Abu Dhabi Creek around the Hotel. 

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai is a wetland reserve renowned for its large numbers of migratory birds, including over 500 Greater Flamingoes. It is located, as the name in Arabic suggests, at the cape of the creek, and is one of the few urban protected areas in the world. Fairmont Dubai offers rare opportunities to experience this delicate and biodiverse ecosystem for 2 hours at a time. The hotel also offers a Beach Clean-Up activity from October – December where guests can assist with the clean up and beautification of the city’s natural resources. 

During Ramadan, Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers offers a half day program where groups can sponsor 150 orphan children at the property, creating a fun atmosphere that includes dancing, singing, gifts, and Egyptian food & drinks. Attendees can also participate in a charity that supports 10 families per day by preparing 60 meals for two days during the holy month of Ramadan. 

The Nebny Foundation has been formed by a group of Young Egyptians who participated in the Arab Spring protests and believe the success of the revolution did not stop at taking down the old regime, but will succeed when Egypt becomes a leader in the developing world. ­The Nebny Foundation recognizes that this post-revolution moment belongs to the nation’s young people. Through a youth-led, locally-driven approach, Nebny will promote, educate, enable, and empower youth to actively participate in shaping Egypt’s economy. Fairmont Nile City is supporting groups that want to donate to the organization. 

Europe 

In Hamburg, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten offers half day Beach Clean-Up programs at the historic River Elbe or Inner Alster Lake, two of the city’s main attractions. A Local Food Bank half day program allows attendees to prepare and distribute care packages for homeless people and people in need. 

At the Fairmont Monte Carlo, kids are in the spotlight with a series of activities and privileges which are exclusively dedicated to them for a happy and memorable family experience. For the Monegasque “Red Nose” event, put on by “Les Enfants de Frankie” association - which helps sick children and children in need, the Fairmont Monte Carlo has created an original and tasty cocktail without alcohol, rich in fruity and sunny flavors. Named “Frankie”, it is served in a flute with a straw set with a “mini red nose” in chocolate, a symbol of the clown. And in honor of this famous character of the Principality of Monaco, this cocktail, available at the “Saphir 24, lounge & bar”, costs only €7 and €1 is donated to the association. 

Africa 

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club has strong ties to the local community, and can arrange donation drives for the Likii Special School for the Mentally Handicapped. As many of these children have been orphaned or abandoned, donations of clothes, books, beddings and food stuffs are very much appreciated. 

For a quick onsite activity at Fairmont Mara Safari Club, the Tree Planting Exercise is a great option. Guests can plant a tree within the Club before departing as way of reducing their personal carbon foot print, as well as commemorate their stay. 

In Nairobi, Fairmont The Norfolk works with the Better Life Children's Home & Tapa Trust Home on a program that supports less fortunate children living in slums, who are orphaned or vulnerable. Groups are invited to donate and distribute food, toiletries, clothing, books and stationery. 

A half-day program at Fairmont Zimbali Resort is designed to encourage guests to Experience a Traditional Zulu Village. Guests will meet with community members and experience a day in their lives, which could include beading, fetching water, learning Zulu or traditional Zulu dances and assisting with simple building and maintenance tasks. All donations placed in a fund to build a community centre for the village to gather for church, making crafts and an area for the village children to gather for educational presentations. 

Asia 

The Special Commune is a not-for-profit organization in China whose mission is to empower intellectually challenged youth to be part of their community. Through internships on their organic farm, students learn job and life skills that allow them to live independently. At Fairmont Beijing, a corporate outing can be designed as either a half or full-day program, including a visit to the farm to meet the students, a student performance, and contribution to a current project. 

Colleagues at Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai believe books can open doors to all sorts of opportunities. The Shanghai Sunrise Library Program uses donations to fund the purchase of library books for needy migrant schools, offering students a well-stocked library with age-appropriate books that will pay dividends for years to come. Groups can spend ½ a day visiting one of the migrant schools in Shanghai and be involved with cataloguing the new library books they purchased and before engaging in reading sessions with the children.