With hearts full of joy, dynamism and enthusiasm, Raouché Arjaan by Rotana colleagues headed to "Dar Al Ajazah Al Islami Al Houkoumi" to generate positive energy and bring to life to the home's garden, the only fresh breathing space for the elderly.
Right before the extensive renovation process, a group oversaw the space and placed a preliminary work plan, preparing all the necessary tools to ensure the smooth flow of the project. Hotel colleagues spread into different groups, taking care of either the logistical or aesthetics aspects of the project in addition to making sure everything was set for the launching of the garden. As with all of Rotana hotel's CSR initiatives in Lebanon, all volunteers worked wholeheartedly as one team, aspiring to succeed with this initiative.
Staff members were delighted to renovate the garden, and took on the initiative with dynamism and love. On the first day, Raouché Arjaan by Rotana's LIFE committee members, Heads of Departments and colleagues headed to the home and began cleaning the garden, scraping the walls and pruning the garden's trees and plants. On the second day, team members painted the walls and other objects in the garden with vibrant colors, as well as repaired and renewed the wooden benches. Finally, and on the third day, colleagues creatively designed trees into unique shapes and planted different types of flowering plants. In addition, a small seating corner was installed in the garden, embellished in beautiful colors like green, blue, pink, and red as well as a rocking chair to help everyone relax.
Raouché Arjaan by Rotana colleagues organized a ceremony to inaugurate the opening of the newly renovated garden. After the completion of the renovation, all the elderly of "Dar Al Ajazah Al Islami Al Houkoumi" were invited to a buffet to see the new garden as famous songs by Fairuz were playing in the background. Everyone danced in celebration of this memorable and special day.
In turn, Tamar Rotana concluded its series of activities by inviting 70 elderly from the "Maternal & Infantile Association" to a delicious lunch at the hotel. Hotel members headed to the association in big buses to pick up the elderly who were instantly filled with joy at the sight of the excited hotel staff. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with open arms by another team from the hotel who couldn't wait to spend the day with the elderly. To further liven the atmosphere, team members played the most beautiful old Lebanese songs and entertained their guests with the Dabkeh. It was a joyous atmosphere, especially when a lady, wearing the traditional Lebanese dress, started singing and dancing. Every one of the guests joined in, cheering and dancing, reliving devoted their young years.
As for Gefinor Rotana, team members are going to spend a full day pampering 40 elderly from "Les Soeurs de la charite Besancon" in a very special event. On the 28th of November 2013, hotel staff members are inviting the elderly to a lunch with a live show consisting of comedic sketches to keep them entertained. Before lunchtime however, guests will get their hair and nails done, get a chance to be elected as Mr. & Mrs. Best Smile and Mr. & Mrs. Congeniality, in addition to being offered gifts.
Joseph Coubat, Area Vice President of Rotana Hotels in Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar and the General Manager of City Centre Rotana said, "As soon as we launched 'Your smile brings us joy' initiative, our three Rotana hotels in Lebanon were excited to participate, proposing interactive activities in collaboration with different NGOs concerned with the elderly." He added, "From renovating gardens to fun encounters in either our hotels or in the outdoors, we have succeeded in drawing smiles on the very faces that have given so much to society. We hope other organizations take on such initiatives, and we look forward to taking on more activities next year."
