Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates leads an initiative to give ray of hope to cyclone victims

Shortly after news of the disaster broke, a team from Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, quickly rallied together to work out how the hotel could extend a helping hand to assist Burmese employees in aiding their friends and families back home.

"Our team came up with some constructive ideas and suggestions which we quickly assessed and turned into an action plan. Our relief efforts included setting up collection boxes for financial support as well as gathering linen goods and clothing. So far the hotel has raised over Dhs8,000 internally in two days, a wonderful effort in such a short period of time," said Michael Henssler, General Manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates.

Two of the thirty team members have travelled to Myanmar to handover the donation, and also extend moral support to the surviving families of the victims. "It was a concerted effort with the finance team arranging the communication set up for our travelling staff, and the management team contributing further by negotiating for the excess baggage that allowed the hotel employees to bring in as many towels, sheets, clothing and other essential items collected by the housekeeping staff. The stewarding team also sorted out cooking utensils and goods as part of the relief shipment," said Karen Thorburn, Human Resources Director and a member of the coordinating staff.

Mr. Henssler has applauded his staff's efforts and affirmed the hotel's full support for the initiative. "This is a time of great sorrow for our staff and their kin in Myanmar. They need all the help that they can get, and we're happy we're able to provide some form of support."
A team from Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is now working in conjunction with the Red Crescent Society to collect more donations which will be sent to Myanmar as well as China which was also recently severely struck by the devastating earthquake.