Throughout 2024, the Corinthia family has remained consistently active in its social and community work, embodying its vibrant philosophy of “The Spirit of Corinthia” and its mission to uplift lives. Through various charitable initiatives and community engagement activities, the Corinthia staff have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families in need.
I have chosen a selection of noteworthy activities that I am proud to share with the readers of Insider Plus in two parts.
These initiatives highlight the ongoing commitment of the Corinthia family to social responsibility, community engagement, and the development of future talent within the hospitality industry.
1. Partnerships for Change: Throughout 2024, Corinthia hotels have strengthened partnerships with various charitable organisations, including Make-a-Wish and local food banks, showcasing their dedication to uplifting the lives of families and individuals in need.
2. Employee Initiatives: The hotel’s commitment to its staff is evident through various team-building activities and training programmes Initiatives like First Aid Training, team outings, and personal development workshops enhance employee morale and promote a positive workplace culture.
3. Environmental Stewardship: Corinthia has actively engaged in environmental initiatives, such as beach clean-ups and waste reduction programmes, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and responsibility towards the planet.
4. Health and Wellness Awareness: With events focused on health education, such as Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns and initiatives supporting mental well-being, Corinthia hotels are dedicated to promoting the overall health of their employees and communities.
5. Youth Engagement: Programmes that focus on mentoring young talent in the hospitality industry, such as apprenticeships and the Gold Service Scholarship, reflect Corinthia’s investment in future generations and commitment to excellence in service.
6. Community Celebrations: Special events, such as holiday parties for children and seniors, illustrate the Corinthia family’s desire to spread joy and foster community spirit during festive seasons.
I am excited to share some inspiring stories with our readers, hoping they resonate and encourage others to join us in making a difference.
Corinthia London
CORINTHIA LONDON: Corinthia London has lived up to its high standards even in this sphere and significantly bolstered its support for Spread a Smile throughout 2024, achieving a remarkable fundraising total of £66,749 this year alone. Since the partnership commenced in April 2023, the overall amount raised has reached an impressive £108,214, reflecting the Hotel’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families in need.
Spread a Smile brings joy and laughter to seriously ill children in NHS hospitals and hospices across the United Kingdom.Through in-person and virtual visits and events, its entertainers – from magicians to musicians, artists, fairies and therapy dogs – enhance wellbeing and help young patients cope with the pain and anxiety of serious illness and hospitalisation. Its resident artists help to make the hospital environment more child-friendly and also deliver a programme of family-focused events, enabling families to spend precious time together outside of hospital.
To celebrate its partnership, Corinthia London hosted an Easter Party at The Northall Restaurant, welcoming 60 children and family members supported by Spread a Smile. This joyous occasion filled the atmosphere with smiles and laughter, creating cherished memories for all attendees.
In a thoughtful gesture, two families also enjoyed a special afternoon tea amidst the enchanting Butterfly Tree. Additionally, the Flowerbx afternoon tea made a generous contribution of £20,000 to Spread a Smile, further exemplifying Corinthia’s dedication to this vital cause.
Afternoon tea
The incredible team at Corinthia went the extra mile—literally—to make a difference this year through various sporting challenges. They participated in events such as the London Landmarks Half Marathon, Ride London, the Royal Parks Half Marathon, and the iconic London Marathon. A Corinthia Football team also engaged in fundraising activities, collectively raising an impressive £17,212.22. The enthusiasm and creativity of Team Corinthia shone through in additional fundraising initiatives, including a pub quiz, a chef’s cook-off, and the “Giving Back Shelf,” where birthday gift donations were collected.
Corinthia London’s generosity extends beyond fundraising efforts, as the team actively volunteered at Spread a Smile events to bring joy to families. They delivered heart-shaped balloons to children in hospitals on Valentine’s Day, participated in Great Ormond Street Hospital’s birthday party alongside Spread a Smile entertainers to create magical moments, and attended the Spread a Smile Summer Party, which welcomed 800 attendees for a fun-filled day. They also helped pack Christmas hampers, further spreading joy to patients and their siblings during the holiday season.
Launched in 2012, the Gold Service Scholarship (GSS) provides ambitious young individuals with the opportunity to hone their skills through mentorship and placement opportunities facilitated by leading professionals and businesses. At Corinthia London, Managing Director Thomas Kochs – a most inspiring personality – and the entire ebullient team actively support the GSS Board and Trustees in nurturing the development of talented individuals. The Hotel proudly hosts the annual competition final, investing in the education and future of the hospitality industry, showcasing its commitment to talent development and community engagement.
André Garrett
André Garrett, Executive Chef at Corinthia London, is on the judging panel for the Roux Scholarship, an annual prestigious chef award and competition, giving the winner a year’s scholarship to travel and experience hospitality at a very high end (3 Michelin star) globally, also then joining the wider Roux Scholar family and encouraging the next generation of chefs.
André and the Hotel proudly represent several prestigious organisations, including the Academy of Culinary Arts, Adopt a School Charity, and the Annual Awards of Excellence. As a dedicated academician in the Academy, André Garrett fosters a culture of food education that begins at the grassroots level—instilling essential culinary skills in schools and supporting apprenticeships through a specialised chefs programme. By engaging young minds early in their culinary journey, he aims to cultivate a new generation of passionate and skilled culinary professionals.
The Annual Awards of Excellence, which honours outstanding young chefs and front-of-house talent, focuses on enhancing craft skills across the industry. André plays a vital role on the judging panel of these awards, championing excellence among his colleagues and the broader culinary community. His influence extends beyond Corinthia London as he encourages the pursuit of skill mastery throughout the trade.
Through these affiliations and initiatives, both Andre Garrett and Corinthia London reinforce their commitment to culinary excellence and nurturing the future leaders of the hospitality sector. By investing in education and showcasing talent, they contribute to the ongoing evolution and improvement of culinary standards and practices.
The Hotel also holds and supports a number of apprenticeships through Westminster Kingsway College, utilising the apprenticeship levy from the government. André aims to onboard at least two new apprentices each year to build the team from the ground up. Currently, two apprentices are completing their first year, and new interns have joined the programme.
COSTA COFFEE (Malta): Costa Coffee showcased its dedication to community service by hosting a raffle at the Christmas staff party in January. All proceeds from this raffle were generously donated to the Sigma Foundation to help fund critical cleft lip surgeries for those in need. Sigma’s mission is to empower those in need through fundraising events, charity work, education programs and skills training.
Continuing their support for local initiatives, Costa Coffee collaborated with Danusan, a comedy duo in Malta, to organise a children’s quiz, where ticket sales generated donations for the Costa Foundation. Furthermore, a small Padel Tournament was arranged, with all donations from this event being also directed towards benefiting the Foundation whose mission is to improve the life chances of children and young people in coffee growing communities by providing the opportunity of a safe, quality education.
To maintain this charitable momentum, Costa Coffee launched a special Costa Foundation Muffin, committing to donate 50% of the sales price to the Costa Foundation. Emphasising the holiday spirit, Costa also collected gifts throughout November and December to be donated to the NGO, Smiling with Jerome, which provides support, assistance and compassion to individuals who are passing through difficult times with particular emphasis on those who have been diagnosed with cancer or other serious ailments.
DOHA: Corinthia Doha Yacht Club actively participated in multiple Seabed Cleaning events, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and awareness within the community. Through these initiatives, Corinthia aims to make a tangible difference in preserving the marine ecosystem and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Verdi Budapest Aquincum
VERDI BUDAPEST AQUINCUM: Internal activities at Verdi Aquincum included a variety of engaging events designed to foster community and recognition within the team. In March, the Hotel celebrated Women’s Day with a surprise cake, creating a festive atmosphere. Farewell events were held for departing managers to thank them for their contributions, and a manager outing was organised to express gratitude.
Other regular activities included quarterly dinners for heads of departments, a Christmas management outing, and a recognition programme for Employee and Manager of the Quarter, highlighting the achievements of dedicated staff. Monthly birthday celebrations and quarterly surprise breakfasts were also part of the routine, promoting camaraderie among employees.
During the Christmas season, Verdi Aquincum participated in two impactful activities: supporting the Ürömi Animal Shelter by contributing food and supplies for the animals, and partnering with the Tündérpakk Foundation to assist single mothers in financial distress and those recovering from abusive situations.
End of Part One. To be continued
