LARGEST HILTON OUTSIDE THE US DONATES OVER 40,000 MEALS TO LOCAL FOODBANKS, PROVIDES 12,000 BEDS FOR NHS WORKERS & HOSTS VOLUNTARY ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Hilton London Metropole, the largest Hilton outside of the US, remained open throughout the pandemic as part of the hotel’s commitment to help support the capital and its people in the journey to recovery.
From donating over 40,000 meals to local foodbanks and charities to providing 12,000 beds to NHS workers and hosting online voluntary workshops, the hotel spearheaded a number of initiatives to help those in need.
Accommodation for NHS Workers and Vulnerable Families
Hilton London Metropole remained open throughout the pandemic in 2020, providing 12,000 beds for NHS workers, as well as further accommodation for vulnerable families and visitors who needed a roof over their head.
To keep all guests as safe as possible, the hotel was divided into two halves. Each section featured a grab and go restaurant while the team formed two separate social bubbles, with one group looking after NHS guests, and the other supporting visitors who were unable to return home and vulnerable families.
The Hilton London Metropole team did whatever it took to create a home away from home for every guest. Team Members added personal touches, including handwritten notes with their daily room drops, as well as lending a supportive ear to doctors and nurses navigating the crisis. In addition to this support, nutritious meals and a comfy bed, the hotel team erected a wall of hope that was created by local school children to show London’s gratitude.
Food Banks and Charities
Hilton London Metropole worked with a number of local foodbanks and charities to help provide home cooked meals to those in need across the capital.
Through the hotel’s longstanding relationship with the Marble Arch Partnership, Hilton London Metropole’s kitchen staff put together meals to donate to the North Paddington Foodbank, which looks after over 200 families a week. It also partnered with the UK’s national network of charitable food redistributors, The Felix Project and Open Kitchens, to provide delicious and nutritious meals to those in need.
In addition, the hotel donated chocolate Easter eggs to students at King Solomon Academy in Marylebone, which was one of the designated schools in Westminster that stayed open to support the children of essential workers.
Voluntary Workshops with Springboard
Hilton London Metropole’s team adapted and found new ways to support the community by volunteering with Springboard, the independent UK charity that helps unemployed people improve their job prospects.
Two members of the hotel’s bar team volunteered to run a mixology webinar, using their knowledge and expertise to help inspire others to follow a career path in the hospitality sector. Following the hotel’s positive contributions with Springboard, the team was shortlisted for the Best Community Engagement Award at the charity’s Virtual Awards.
Adam Roberts, Founder of Open Kitchens says: “We were so fortunate to have the Hilton London Metropole team on board to help during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. The team voluntarily cooked and distributed over 40,000 nutritious meals to vulnerable communities across the capital – from homeless and the elderly to victims of domestic abuse and families in need. We couldn’t be any more grateful for their support and generosity.”
Remco Norden, Area General Manager says “I’m incredibly proud of all my Team Members. Together, we helped those in need during a period of unprecedented challenge. Hilton London Metropole’s team worked tirelessly to support our local communities and it was an honour to be able to partner with so many worthy charitable organisations around the capital.”