In the Press.
Monkbar Bear Bedroom Adoption Policy
Praised By Children's Charity
A policy where guests at a leading York hotel are invited to adopt bears left in their bedrooms has won the praise, admiration and thanks of a children’s charity.
The Best Western Monkbar Hotel offers guests the opportunity to take home Martin House teddy bears, left on their pillows by housekeepers, in exchange for a donation of at least £3.
The unexpected roommates have been featuring in the city-centre venue’s 99 bedrooms for over two years, with a high percentage of guests being unable to resist their cuddly charm.
And thanks to the visitors’ generosity – many leaving in excess of £5 for one bear - £15,000 has now been raised for the children’s hospice, near Wetherby.
In recognition of this, Alison Wort, Fundraising Manager for Martin House Hospice presented the hotel with a certificate acknowledging the sum, collected the hotel adopted Martin House as their charity two years’ ago.
Best Western Monkbar Hotel director June Nelsey: “It has been a very easy and effective way to raise a significant amount of money for this wonderful cause, and something we will continue to do until every little bear has been adopted!
“To know that the money we have raised, which is down to our very generous guests, helps to make a difference to poorly children and their families is very rewarding, and this special certificate gives thanks to every person who has been touched by our appeal.
Brenda Peel from Martin House said: “It is wonderful to think that so many pillow-size versions of our big mascot, Marti Bear, are in homes around the world and helping to raise the profile of the hospice.
“Without dedicated partner organisations, like the Monkbar Hotel, we wouldn’t be able to continue offering the level of support and care which we do for terminally-ill children and their families.”
Brenda added: “We would like to say a big thank you to all those who made donations and to all at the Monkbar Hotel for choosing to support us and raising such a significant amount of money. We hope the certificate shows just how much their contribution means to us.”
Martin House opened in 1987 and is located in Wetherby. It is committed to providing family led care for children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.
The House itself is made up of nine specialist children’s bedrooms, eight family rooms for parents and siblings and six bedrooms in an adjoining unit for teenagers and young adults.
21/05/2010