– Swissôtel’s ‘Kids For Kids’ encourages guests to contribute to SOS Children’s Villages at any Swissôtel property throughout October –
SEPTEMBER 16, 2019, PARIS – Filling up hungry tummies and putting smiles on the faces of children are some of Swissôtel’s favorite activities, especially when it means giving more kids the chance to grow up with good health and a safe environment. Throughout the month of October, Swissôtel’s ‘Kids For Kids’ campaign allows children under the age of 12 to enjoy dining at any Swissôtel property for free, with a suggested donation to SOS Children’s Villages of as little as $5 per child. Every donation will go a long way to helping another child get the food, support and security they need to grow up healthy and strong.
“This year marks a 20-year milestone of Swissôtel’s partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Switzerland. Together we’ve worked hard to enhance the well-being of children in need all over the world, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to bring light to the lives of many,” said Lilian Roten, Vice President, Brand Management, Swissôtel. “We hope our guests – big and small – will be happy to join us this October as we celebrate our work with SOS Children’s Villages across our hotels and help more children achieve their full potential.”
In addition to the ‘Kids For Kids’ month-long campaign, the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Swissôtel and SOS Children’s Villages will be further celebrated on World Food Day. On October 16, guests will discover a special World Food Day Menu in select hotels in honor of children in need. For every meal purchased from this menu, Swissôtel will donate $10 to SOS Children’s Villages. Many Swissôtel properties will also offer “A Worthwhile Stay” throughout October, whereby a portion of the proceeds from each room booking will be donated to SOS Children’s Villages.
According to SOS Children’s Villages and Swissôtel, every little bit counts. A donation of $1 provides two healthy meals for a child; a $5 donation provides a meal for a whole family and a $10 donation can provide an SOS scholar with a school bag.
“There are 220 million children, or 1 in every 10 of the world’s children, growing up alone, without a safe and caring environment or the provision of all they need to grow and develop in a healthy way,” said Alain Kappeler, Managing Director of SOS Children’s Villages Switzerland. “The support of Swissôtel has been invaluable to helping more kids access our program over the past 20 years. From the energy of Swissôtel volunteers, to the well-crafted events and creative fundraising campaigns hosted by its hotels – we look forward to many more productive years of working together.”
Studies have shown that the work of SOS Children’s Villages has a profound impact on children immediately and in future generations. Ninety percent of children who grew up in SOS Children’s Villages are doing well with adequate accommodation, food security and health. Eighty percent are experiencing social and emotional well-being, and feeling safe from discrimination and other harm. Among SOS participants who have later become parents, 90% have broken the cycle of separation and abandonment. Many former SOS participants have gone on to secure jobs at Swissôtel properties around the world.