The Box Appeal, a month-long annual charity campaign organised by the Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson hotels, concluded with the delivery of 17,000 boxes to workers across the Middle East and Africa. Members of the community, from schools to corporations, contributed by filling boxes with essential items for underprivileged men.
Mark Willis, Area Vice President, Middle East & Turkey for the Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “The Box Appeal this year brought together hundreds of members of the Middle East community, uniting them under a sense of responsibility to the less privileged members of our diverse society.”
A total of 24 Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson hotels, along with associated charities, schools, and workplaces, participated in the appeal, which was conducted in seven Middle East countries in the Middle East and Africa.
“I am ecstatic by the result of this year’s Box Appeal, it is our third consecutive year we are leading the Box Appeal and we have managed to double the numbers every year.  We will be making a difference to the lives of more than 4,000 people, that’s a very special thought.  I would like to thank all our colleagues, partners, schools and organizations, for their hard work and dedications.  It is you that make the Box Appeal successful.  Now, to double it again in 2016 to 8,000…….I am sure we can!” said Marius Wolmarans, general manager for Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat.
“The Box Appeal has been a big success for us here in Oman and we have exhausted our supply of boxes. Boxes were swiftly picked up from all the distribution points and we have received a large number back. “The concept of The Box Appeal has been well received in the local community, schools, businesses and we thank everyone for their efforts and the tremendous show of support. We would also like to thank our sponsors for supporting us of the campaign and our dedicated employees. We have handed over those boxes to labourers in some of the construction sites.” said Rabih Zein, cluster general manager for Park Inn by Radisson Muscat and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm.
Francois Galoisy, general manager for future opening Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar said, “For the first year in Sohar, the Box Appeal 2015 campaign was a big success. We received more filled boxes than expected witnessing a strong support from the community. We are thankful to the people of Sohar”.
Volunteers cooperated to fill boxes with predetermined items to meet the daily needs of the underprivileged, including anti-bacterial soap, razors and shaving cream, t-shirts, and more.
Sponsors of The Box Appeal in Oman includes Renaissance Services, Carillion Alawi, Gulf Agency Company (Oman), National Mineral Water Company, The Oman Avenues Mall, Oman United Agencies, The Flower Shop Muscat, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Muscat Printing Press, Y Oman, Al Wisal 96.5 FM and Merge FM 104.8.
Schools in Oman has contributed a huge part for making this charity campaign a success which includes Sultan School, PDO School, Qurum Private School, Al Seeb International School, Indian School Ghubra, British School Muscat, American British Academy , Sohar International School, Azzan Bin Qais School, Al Sahwa School, Philippine School, Royal Flight School, My School and Alruwad International School (A.I.S ).
Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson hotels are managed by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Carlson Rezidor was one of the first international hotel groups to implement a companywide initiative focusing on health and safety for guests and employees, on respect for social and ethical issues within the company, and on a reduced negative impact on the environment. Additionally, Carlson Rezidor has consistently been recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by The Ethisphere® Institute.