Dr Max's hospitality industry remedy about raising money for charity

Bernard Rodrigues, the GM of the Empire Hotel in Hong Kong, was inspired after a recent flight he made aboard Cathay Pacific airlines. He was impressed with the initiative taken by Cathay (and many other airlines) to collect 'loose change' for UNICEF. Bernard, ever the innovative thinker, reasoned the hospitality industry should be able to do the same thing to help the underprivileged kids of the world.

After consultation with UNICEF he instigated the idea immediately. Hence, in his hotel, envelopes are now placed on the bedside table of each guest. Alongside is a note that reads: "The Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, co-organisers with The Empire Hotel Hong Kong, hope to raise funds for the Social Development Programme for poor areas in China. Your support will provide basic education, sanitation and clean water supply for the Chinese children.

You are probably carrying some spare foreign change that is of little use to you. UNICEF can put that small change to very good use. We invite you to put your loose change in the envelope alongside your bed and give it to the hotel staff when checking out. A little could go a long way.

We thank you on behalf of Hong Kong Committee for United Nation's Children's Fund ."

Well done Bernard. Wouldn't it be exciting if we take your idea to the world's hospitality industry. WOW.

Until next week, I wish you good luck, good life and good fun.

Max Hitchins

The Hospitality Doctor