FoundationFeedback

Supporting Young People Worldwide

Registered Charity No. 1084220 (England and Wales) 038995 (Scotland) Edition 27 Winter 2011

10K Giveaway is a cracking success in Reading

As part of Hilton in the Community Foundations 10 year anniversary celebrations, the Board of Trustees approved a series of 10K Giveaways to local communities in support of work with disadvantaged young people and, through the process, engage team members. One recent example is Hilton Readings 10K Giveaway. General Manager John McLaughlin pulled together a judging panel which included Deborah Edwards, the Mayor of Reading, and Alan Bunce, the Community Editor for the towns awardwinning getReading website and The Reading Post newspaper. The scheme launched with a takeover of the cover of the paper and was supported by weekly news stories on the entrants. The judges reviewed nearly 80 applications; looking for those from less well known charities and causes who might otherwise find it difficult to get funding. Projects providing opportunities for young volunteers, offering a legacy for the future and promising to make a difference to as many young people as possible were favoured. At an awards ceremony at Hilton Reading on 6 December, nine awards were made, ranging from 200 to nearly 3,000. Winners included ABC to Read a scheme training young volunteers to help other young folk with reading difficulties; Parenting www.hilton-foundation.org.uk Special Children support and advice for parents of children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and New Bridge Nursery a programme called Men Behaving Dadly to help men in a deprived area to connect with their children through play and structured activities.
Story continued on page 3.

Main picture: representatives from the winning nine local charities meet at Hilton Reading for a special celebration. Inset: Deborah Edwards, Mayor of Reading (L) and Louise James (R) present Ruth Pearse and her daughter Emily with 400 to provide a programme of support for families of children affected by ADHD.

Contents
Page 3
Volunteering in action: Hilton Bradford create check-in for creepy crawlies

Story continued from front cover.

Page 12
Charity focus The Outward Bound Trust

Red Balloon Reading a specialist school for badly bullied children requested money for musical instruments. Hilton Reading approached Hickies, a local music store, to maximise the potential of the charitys music budget. Hickies offered to maintain the instruments for free and the media partner ran a request for instrument donations. This is a great example of businesses working together in the community, led by Hilton. Other 10K Giveaways are currently taking place at Hilton Cardiff with the South Wales Echo and Hilton Manchester Deansgate in partnership with the Manchester Evening News and its sister weekly titles. For more information about the Giveaway process please contact the Foundation office.

Pages 4-10
Charity begins at home a regional effort to support good causes

Pages 14-15
More of your stories from around the region

Page 11
Supporting Special Olympics

Page 16
Brave and cheerful Liam why we must keep on doing what we do
Above: Dan, seated centre, accepts on behalf of Peapods a grant of 818.80, which will enable him and 30 other young people with severe disabilities the opportunity to visit Thames Valley Adventure Playground with friends, parents and carers. This provides a valuable opportunity for young people and their families to let off steam, socialise and relax in a secure and trusted environment. Left: John McLaughlin, General Manager of Hilton Reading (far right) hosts nine local charities from the Borough of Reading to receive Christmas Cracker HCF grants totalling 10,000. This money was raised for the Foundation through a whole series of voluntary fundraising efforts by team members, including skydiving, charity balls, raffles and much more.

Chairmans message
Welcome to the latest newsletter from the Foundation, which I hope you enjoy reading. The pictures and stories included are just a small selection from the hundreds of events and partnerships, large and small, that you have worked so hard to achieve during the year. In Europe, 2011 has so far proved to be the Foundations most successful year, with hotels working so hard that we have tripled their fundraising income, to the direct benefit of a wide range of childrens charities. Our growing portfolio of hotels has embraced the challenge of raising funds, even in an ongoing challenging climate, and thanks to your hard work we are frequently bucking the trend with our collective fundraising results. We are on track to have donated over 1.5 million by the end of December, a new milestone in our giving and to a greater number of different organisations than ever before. Great or small, the grants that we make really do provide young people with opportunities and improve their lives in very practical ways. In Austria, a childrens hospice has been able to develop its horse therapy sessions of riding and gentle interaction for the life-limited children with the animals. In York in the UK, emergency accommodation was made available for 90 homeless young people over the year in the homes of trained volunteers. In Varberg on the west coast of Sweden, HCF funding has helped improve facilities at the Barncancerfonden Almers Hus rehabilitation centre for sick children and their families. Just three examples from a huge list! The Foundations mission to support young people worldwide is at the heart of our activities and initiatives which support our local communities in Europe. I would like to thank each of you for your generous support. Without the help of Hiltons team members, suppliers, guests and corporate partners, as well as the voluntary time and effort given by you, the Foundation simply wouldnt exist. As the business demands of the coming year take root, I ask that you keep the Foundations mission close to your heart. We are very privileged to be able to help those less fortunate than ourselves and the Foundation has been created to coordinate, guide and grow our potential to help others. On behalf of the many thousands of children and young people the Foundation has supported this year, thank you. With best wishes for 2012, Simon Vincent Chairman of the Trustees

Volunteering in action
Creepy-crawlies get new home at Nell Bank
your efforts in building Britains best accessible mini beast hotel. The weather was terrible cold, wet and windy, but the efforts of the Hilton Bradford staff, was simply fantastic. The link between the Hilton and the luxury hotel accommodation for millipedes, centipedes, newts, frogs and other creatures is amusing but the staff giving up their time to support disadvantaged children is worthy of serious thanks. You were amazing! Despite being a rainy, windy and cold day all the members that took part in the charity work had a most enjoyable day and are looking forward to their next opportunity to help in the community, in true fashion to Hiltons pillar Show Me You Care. Well done to Team Bradford!

Members from the Blue Energy committee joined with team members from all the hotel departments at Hilton Bradford to help local charity Nell Bank develop a new area of its complex. Nell Bank provides day and residential experiences for schools and community groups across the full age and ability range. The award winning activities and nationally significant inclusive facilities make it a top choice for learning outside the classroom. Nell Bank has received over 250,000 visitors since its opening, and the development of the mini beast hotel will provide a new attraction for children visiting the centre. Bruce Fowler, Centre Manager said, Please accept my warmest thanks on behalf of many thousands of local school children for

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Charity begins at home

A regional effort to support local causes
2011 saw a wide variety of imaginative, fun and active events take place for the Foundation and we are so grateful to everybody for their hard work. This section is packed with a selection of your news and pictures from across the region more stories are available on back copies of Highlights on our website. Thank you for sending in your stories for Foundation Feedback and our monthly e-newsletter Highlights to comms@hilton-foundation.org.uk

Hilton Swindon have had a very busy and successful year, with Around the World in a Day (AWD), two comedy nights and a brainy Are you smarter than the hotel manager? competition, all raising funds for local charity Amber, who support homeless young people. The relationship with the young people has grown throughout the year with 6-a-side football games and support for interviewees from senior management and HR. In addition their chef is planning a healthy eating master class, along with a joint volunteering day, clearing the nearby Kennet and Avon Canal.

Hilton Basel and Hilton Zurich Airport, had a busy year with the Hilton Swiss Cup football tournament, following on from the previous years competition. Lots of Blue Energy was expended and created. The donation of old hotel stock at the Peddlars Market also proved a great success, with staff and stall kitted out in full HCF regalia. More than three times the expected CHF 300 was raised. The major purchaser of these items was planning to send the bought items to Africa, so the event proved doubly successful.

The environment came first for team members from Hilton Rome Airport, who ran a special event Save the Beach. Colleagues enjoyed the experience and were pleased to help keep their local environment litter free.

Colleagues at Hilton Stansted hosted a Christmas lunch for 30 school children and presented the Jack Petchey Award to winning Panathalon competitor Zac. Santa also came and the children thoroughly enjoyed their day which was completed by singing carols around the Christmas tree.

Hilton Lyon have used a combination of Blue Energy Forums, Ducks for Change, Small Change Big Difference along with local events, two muffin sales and 11 team members running in the Lyon marathon to help their local charity Association Rves, a wish-granting organisation for seriously ill and life-limited children. A cocktail reception is planned for the New Year to celebrate their success and hand over the funds.

This year, the four Hilton Worldwide hotels in Austria: Hilton Vienna, Hilton Vienna Plaza, Hilton Vienna Danube and Hilton Innsbruck raised over 5,100 for Sterntalerhof Childrens Hospice. Founded in 1999, the hospice offers critically ill children a unique combination of spiritual guidance, holistic care and therapeutic horseback riding. With the funds, Sterntalerhof hopes to continue its mission of providing critically ill children and their families access to a happy and carefree environment regardless of their ability to pay. Frderschule fr Lernbehinderte is a school for disabled children between the ages of 6 and 17. In June, Hilton Dresden sponsored a surprise trip for the pupils to the Leipzig Zoo, where a great time was had by all. Andrea Hanschmann, Foundation Champion at Hilton Dresden advised that another of the hotels charity partners, Albert-Schweitzer-Frderschule in Dresden-Prohlis, benefited from the teams outreach efforts. Together with the teacher of the school, a project week was organised for the children with the subject Circus to give them the opportunity to be creative and to experience practical learning. We supported this with a donation of 280, which we had raised earlier this year with our special cake sale. www.hilton-foundation.org.uk 5

Hilton Frankfurt has been hosting a second-hand bazaar since 2000. This year was a marked success raising money for nominated local partner Deutsche Kinderschutzbund Frankfurt e.V. The charity runs a therapeutic program that helps children who are experiencing violence in their family and environment. The WIZO gala ball attracted 300 guests and provided support for children at kindergarten, with Hilton Frankfurt as a sponsor. Team members collected sweets and treats for two and three year olds from families in financial difficulties and presented these wearing festive Santa Claus outfits.

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As part of its community efforts in 2011, Hilton Blackpool raised 2,000 for Progress Recruitment, an agency that helps young people with disabilities find employment. In doing so, the hotels gained an enthusiastic new volunteer named John Dixon. Since joining the team from Progress, John has attended planning meetings, greeted visitors at events and even met the Mayor of Blackpool. In early December, the hotel held a carol concert featuring the brass band from John's alma mater, the Park Senior Special School. John volunteered as an usher at the event, allowing him to reconnect with old friends and demonstrate his confidence and community spirit.

Inspiring young people

Hilton Glasgow are confident they have smashed their 2011 fundraising target, having held a host of charity activities. Their Star Wars day included 12 members of the 501st Legion, Scottish Imperial Guard and Rebel Alliance coming along in full costume so children from With Kids could have their photos taken. This was followed by a Star Wars film in the ballroom with popcorn and hot dogs given to guests. The Halloween Ball had a zombie theme and the December festive market were similarly successful. Team members are planning another Christmas food and toy drive for their nominated charity With Kids, to ensure that disadvantaged children in the city have a Christmas to remember.

Meanwhile in the UK, 16 teams of eight scratched their heads in search of answers at the Quiz Night organised by Hilton Newbury Centre and Hilton Newbury North. A buffet supper and raffle raised 1,200. The team are hoping that their local charity Swing & Smiles in helping the 2,000 families in Berkshire with children who have special needs. This year, Hilton Malta raised just over 600 for Inspire Malta, the country's leading disability charity. The money will go towards helping 1,300 children and young people with disabilities reach their full potential. The charity also works with carers, government agencies and other charities to promote greater inclusion for disabled young people.

Hilton Coylumbridge team members and the Blue Energy Committee have been very proud of their achievements this year and hope that the two events they supported will become part of their annual calendar. Firstly, they provided volunteers to assist at the South Highland Schools Athletic Championships in Inverness. Secondly, they held a Family Fun Day at the Fun House, for families living with disabilities and special needs. Over 100 people came along and enjoyed various activities, music and a dance display from the local cheerleading group.

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The support that Inspire Malta provides means a great deal to people like Tamika (main picture) and her mother. Children with Downs Syndrome usually take longer to develop. But Ive already noticed progress in Tamika. She points to animals and makes sounds. She can crawl and is now standing up alone. The money people donate to Inspire can help so many children like my daughter. Support helps a lot.

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www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

A greater goal
Athene Palace Hilton Bucharest has had a very active year in 2011, supporting three different local causes. The hotel has been a supporter of Ovidiu Rom since 2005. This national charity aims to give children in Romania the best start in life through early education. Today, Ovidiu Rom supports 1,400 disadvantaged children in schools across the country. This year, team members have raised nearly 5,000 (RON 25,800) in support of the organisation's ultimate goal of making early education compulsory in Romania by 2020. The hotel also held a fashion show in 2011, which raised 1,193 (RON 5,890) for Hospice Casa Sperantei, a hospice caring for critically ill young people in remote rural areas of Romania. The hospice's small team of doctors, nurses and social workers was able to increase the quality of life for 200 patients through palliative care and emotional support. Finally, over 2,000 (RON 10,300) has been raised by team members for United Way Romania, a local chapter of the international charity found in 41 countries. The money has helped provide activities for over 1000 sick and disabled children in hospitals throughout Bucharest. Through arts and crafts, drama, games and other engaging activities children improve their communication skills, mobility and overall quality of life. By putting together community resources and those who are most in need, United Way not only contributes to the well-being of disadvantaged groups, but also to strengthening the personal accountability of responsible citizens. Hilton helped us with these activities in 2011, says Cristina Damian, United Way Romania Executive Director. We are lucky to have such involved and concerned partners like Athene Palace Hilton Bucharest and their employees, as well as the Hilton Community Foundation, because only by working together we can build a better society.

A taste of Hilton
Artists for Kids was founded in 1999 by German film producer Bernd Eichinger to support children and young people living in difficult situations. The charity works alongside local government to increase access to free school lunches, educational projects and job opportunities. Each year Hilton Munich Park hosts Kids an die Macht event in association with the charity. This two day workshop gives 20 young people a glimpse of what it's really like to work in the hotel, in areas such as housekeeping, front of house and catering. The event culminates in a Gala dinner for parents and supporters which is prepared and served by the young people themselves, alongside Hilton staff. Participants can then apply for an apprenticeship which will serve as a valuable leg up in the hospitality industry. This year's event was a great success. Thomas Beck, the CEO of Artists for Kids said: We would like to thank the fantastic Hilton Munich Park team for allowing our young people to take part in this extraordinary engagement. The Hilton team offers the kids days full of new experiences, perspectives and fun to discover own skills and interests. The success of the Munich AWD event reported in the summer edition was followed by Area General Manager Marcus-Milan Arandelovic and his wife Katja completing the New York marathon. Their tremendous effort raised 8,859 for German charity Arche Noah that provides special care and equipment for seriously ill children and their families in hospital or at home. An active year for Hilton Warsaw Hotel and Convention Centre saw them raise 26,000 at their Annual Gala for their chosen charity the Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (FCSR). FCSR feeds 3,000 children 60,000 meals across 15 schools in Poland. Two collections of clothing and toys yielded donations to a local orphanage and victims of domestic violence. 400 was also raised and lots Blue Energy used by four teams who entered the Sue Ryder 3.5km race, with the Food and Beverage team coming first in their category. Finally, five delighted children from a local deaf school were given a lunch to remember at the hotel as a reward for doing well at school. At Hilton London Docklands Riverside Hotel, the year showed the success of Blue Energy in raising money for charity and also in providing a learning opportunity for team members, for which Sandra Coelho was grateful for. The Hells Kitchen event on AWD and the Race Event, being notable examples. The Christmas Staff Party, another part of the Blue Energy calendar, have a raffle and bingo planned. I'd like to say thanks to the Foundation, for giving me the opportunity to be partner and volunteer. I'm very proud about it! It was a pleasure to work with everybody, and many thanks to all, because I am learning more and more.

Dont forget
to send us your stories for Foundation Feedback and our monthly e-newsletter Highlights to comms@hilton-foundation.org.uk

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Supporting Special Olympics

Fausto Ciarcia, Director of Human Resources with the director from Bambino Ges Childrens Hospital

The team at Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles put their excellent skills in the kitchen to work by hosting a great buffet for more than 90 Hilton Worldwide participants in the 2011 Paris-Versailles Race (see page 15). They also hosted a series of chocolate cooking classes for Les Ptits Cracks, a local organisation which supports children with cancer, the most recent being on December 10th. Diane Turcry, Human Resources Director says: These classes are always full of emotion and learning it is our favourite event. We are also busy thinking of other ways to involve our team members such as collecting clothes for homeless families. Thanks to a grant of 17,038 from HCF and supplemented by fundraising from the team at Hilton Newport, the Sparkle Appeal's new disability learning and support centre is now open, serving children and young people with disabilities from across South Wales. The Foundation grant helped to equip a new Aids to Daily Living kitchen in the centre, where young people learn cooking and independent living skills.

The team at Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri has nominated Bambino Ges Childrens Hospital in Palidoro (the outskirts of Rome) to receive support from its fundraising efforts. The Hospital is currently refurbishing its playroom and family meeting area to create a colourful and fun nonhospital environment. Team members visited the site and wanted to help. Their donations which were matched by the hotel, and clientele were invited to donate 10 when attending a special Sunday brunch. For this occasion, the normal childrens entertainment was extended to include a mini Formula 1 racetrack in one of the meeting rooms. To date more than 8,000 has been collected, with team member involvement growing all the time.The hotel has also generously donated at least four Grand Prizes of Weekends to be used as raffle prizes at the HCF events organized by sister properties across the region.

Taking part in Special Olympics gives children and young adults with a learning disability the valuable opportunity to achieve their personal best in an inclusive, supportive environment. Special Olympics is an international group of independent charities that work to positively change the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities by building their confidence through Olympic-type sports. To date Special Olympics Deutschland, Special Olympics Switzerland and Special Olympics UK have benefitted from team member fundraising and the guest facing campaign Small Change, Big Difference, with grants totalling 51,500 since 2008. This supports Hilton Worldwides global partnership with Special Olympics. Special Olympics helps local communities, including those where Hilton Worldwide hotels are located, focus on what people with learning disabilities can achieve, rather than what they can't. Special Olympics is often the only place where people with learning disabilities have an opportunity to participate, mix with their mainstream peers and develop belief in themselves. Disabled people are also disadvantaged in that they are socially excluded and 8 out of 10 are bullied. Many families with a learning disabled child also live in poverty. Therefore Special Olympics plays an important role in challenging perceptions and raising awareness about learning disabilities. Special Olympics is committed to increasing the availability of its programmes, with the ultimate aim of ensuring all children and young people with a learning disability has an opportunity to take part in sport and feel good about themselves and the communities in which they live. In the UK, Special Olympics already helps 8,000 athletes per year through its network of 135 local Special Olympics clubs but there is so much more to do. Hilton in the Community has helped towards this aim most recently by awarding 10,000 over 2 years to Special Olympics Worthing, based in Oak Grove College in Sussex. This funding will help pay for sports equipment, competition entry fees and transport to and from training and events.

Partnership was key to this years success at Hilton Portsmouth. The local Fire Station, football club and Sainsburys are fine examples of this. The 25th anniversary of the hotel was celebrated with a Charity Ball which provided 2,775 for HCF, with a five course meal and 65 guests. AWD raised 1,687.45 for local charity partner Hannahs Holiday Home Appeal. Two teams cycled and rowed a superb 152.88 kilometres. The coming year will see the continuation of the hotels popular fashion show, this year in conjunction with Sainsburys to benefit local charity Simon Says. allowing 935 to be given to a local charity Mazi gia to paidi (Together for Children), which helps children in need. Being only the second recipients of the Certification of Appreciation Award from JIGSAW School, Hilton Cobham were duley recognised for all their efforts and support. This included the hospitality tent for AWD and the catering for their Summer Fun Day as well as providing a Christmas party for the children. Additionally, the Charity Ball provided funds for the Outbound

Continuing our support

After the 1999 Marmara earthquake in Turkey, with the objective to support cities facing migration as a result of the earthquake, one part of the dormitory of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Girls Dormitory School in the town of Van aldran was constructed with the support of Hilton in the Community Foundation. The dormitory was finished in 2001. Now 120 girls between ages 7-14 stay and are educated at the school. Just before the 2011 Van earthquake the school management has asked agdas Yasami Destekleme Dernegi (CYDD), HCFs charity partner, for support with renovation. Nilfer Sener, Director of CYDD said: Thanks again to the valuable efforts of Turkey Hilton employees who ran at the Avrasya Marathon for fundraising and with the additional donation from Hilton in the Community Foundation we are able to renovate some of the necessary infrastructure like heating system, windows and doors. The 120 girls educating at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Girls Dormitory School placed in Van aldran, who are also affected by the Van earthquake, will have warmer conditions to continue to their education. Thank you.

And in short
Team members at Hilton Milan got behind a charity which helps children in developing countries, Aiutare i Bambini. The Asili Nido project aims to support play opportunities for every child, no matter what their circumstances. The creative minds and hands of the Hilton Athens Housekeeping Department produced handmade cards for Valentines Day at 5 each. They were sold out in four hours, 10

Trust and GM Stephane Weit running the marathon were other highlights. The team at Hilton Dortmund were ably led by Hotel Manager Frank Ruecker in the celebrated RWE Marathon in Essen, along with 126 other relay teams. The team at the London Hilton on Park Lane were proud to again host the annual Hilton Foundation Ball. In addition, the hotels AWD charity partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital was a success.

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www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

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Learning life skills through fun activities

The Outward Bound Trust is an experiential outdoor learning charity that provides a unique range of residential courses in inspirational locations across the UK. The trust works with a variety of people aged between 9-24 years. Support from Hilton in the Community Foundation and other companies and trusts means that, regardless of backgrounds and financial situations, young people have the opportunity to access the courses. Through discovery and adventure in the wild, young people learn to empathise with their peers and connect emotionally with them, equipping them with invaluable skills for life. Since 2001, HCF has donated 177,321 to Outward Bound, making them one of our most long term and important charity partners.

Sport for all

Disability Sport Events (a division English Federation of Disability Sport) offers children and young people with disabilities the rare opportunity to compete in regional, national and international championships in a variety of sports. Participation in these competitions helps young people get fit, build confidence and make friends. The charity as been awarded a 6,849 grant by HCF which will allow more young athletes like 18 year old Tom Minchington to compete at the National Junior Athletics. When asked about what the event means to him, Tom said: This event is the most important event of the season for me. Thats why I put in all the hours of training in each week. It is really important as a young athlete to come to this National Athletics. It gives me a chance to represent my region, which is a real privilege, and when you win medals for yourself and the team - its a real honour. As a rising star Tom is a great ambassador for disability athletics and in particular for athletes with Cerebral Palsy.

Lee Ann is a young carer who was given the opportunity to take part in an Outward Bound experience. I live with my mum and brother. My mum is a single mum who has Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a disability that deteriorates over time. MS can get worse either gradually or rapidly. Luckily for my mum she has got it gradually, but she is now 43 and was diagnosed with it when she was 19. So just think how far gone into the disability she is. The condition will not stop until she has reached the final stage, this is known as paralysis. MS affects your brain, eye sight, muscles and so on. My mum cannot walk or hardly move herself. The reason I am telling you about this is to let you know how much my Outward Bound experience meant to me. It gave me a break from being at home. The course was funded by a donor and if it wasnt, my mum would never have been able to afford it. And if my mum couldnt have afforded it, it would have upset her so much to know that I wouldnt have been able to have this experience. Outward Bound has made me realise different things about my life. I loved getting away and spending time with my friends, as it is hard after school to have a social life, care for my mum, cook, clean and iron, and do my part-time job. I just want you to know how much the time spent at The Outward Bound Trust opened my eyes. It also helped my mum to receive more help as when I wasnt there, my family and my mums carers realised how much I actually do. So when I got home, I now dont have to cook for my mum, just me and my brother. It sounds stupid, but the smallest things mean a lot to me.

A little can go a long way

Friends of South Farnborough Infant School received a 699 grant from HCF for the purchase of a new touch screen computer and software specifically designed for pupils with special educational needs. The equipment will be used by children with physical difficulties or cognitive development problems who find using traditional keyboards and difficult and frustrating. The touch screen makes learning a more fun and rewarding experience for the students and teachers have already witnessed a positive impact on their achievement. The new educational resources will also allow teachers to embark on an action research project to ascertain the impact on learning across a wide range of children with special educational needs.

HCF is proud to have partnered up with The Outward Bound Trust again for The Virgin London Marathon 2012 which will take place on Sunday 22nd April. Why not celebrate the Olympics coming to London and make next year the time to take part in the single biggest fundraising on the earth? To apply or for more information please call Pauliina at the Foundation on 0207 605 7641 or email: pauliina.lyttinen@hilton.com. We look forward to hearing from you and cheering you along the course on the race day!

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More news from across the region

Another busy period for the Hilton Berlin team bore fruit, literally, through their strawberry and asparagus sale. Highlights of the year included the sale of written off equipment, which when coupled with donations, from team members and a bazaar set up and kit out a homeless shelter. Hilton Istanbul used their hosting of the Hilton Brand Conference to provide a unique opportunity for 320 General Managers to walk across the Bopsphorous Bridge connecting two continents. 35,000 Turkish Lira were raised for EMHAYAD, the charity for orphans of police officers. 2,843 was also raised for their local charity VAN, for maintenance and repairs at a girls boarding school following the efforts of 12 Blue Energy runners, in the 33rd Eurasian Marathon 8km race. Additionally, low income new mothers now have basic baby care materials thanks to the Small Change Big Difference campaign, with 12,438 already going to the Red Crescent. 1,000 were raised at a Gala evening for the Laughing Hearts charity, which provides Christmas presents for Berlins orphanages. Blue Energy was used in a creative way as team members decorated their own Christmas wreathes at 10 a time proved highly successful, with sponsorship of the materials from a local florist.

Money raised at the hotels 3rd Anniversary included (3,065) from a silent auction. This went to Hilton Madrid Airports local charity Pequeo Deseo (Small Wish Foundation). The active team at the hotel also brought in food and hygienic packs for homeless families. This collaboration with the REMAR Foundation was part of their KILO Operation and brought in a weighty and welcome 380 kgs of food and items. The team also took part in A safe way to school program by painting signage for children to help prevent accidents.

Trivia masters were on call in Bulgaria as Hilton Sofia hosted a series of successful charity Quiz Nights in aid of their nominated local charity partner, The Cedar Foundation. Mariela Balcheva, Foundation Champion, reported: The latest event was great. We had big fun and very difficult moments with the questions. We participated with the Hilton Team but unfortunately we couldnt win. Most of the big companies in the city decided to participate with a team. We collected more than 2000 from this night alone and we are really delighted about this success for our local charity.

Following on from their summer success of raising 9,000, in conjunction with Hilton Brussels, Hilton Amsterdam, Hilton Amsterdam Schipol, Hilton Rotterdam and Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen, the Netherlands clusters Cupcake sale day went very well. Guests and companies bought the cakes made in the hotels kitchens. The partnership approach was reflected further in the annual Football Tournament, which was a fantastic day enjoyed by all the players and spectators.

Dancing their way to success has been the key for the team at Hilton Avisford Park. The Just Jive evenings, the Halloween Ball and the Champagne and Diamonds Ball all allowed the team to waltz away with over 10,000 for HICF and their local partners. A different approach to the latter Ball, allowing more space on the dance floor, proved a hit. Raffles and ticket prices led to the raising of the much needed funds. Just Jive was a new concept, all the departments involved provided prizes for the raffle. Another is planned for Spring 2012.

An all embracing example of Blue Energy commitment was shown by the five Parisian Hotels, Hilton Paris La Defense, Hilton Paris Charles De Gaulle, Hilton Arc de Triomphe, Hilton Paris Orly Airport, Trianan Palace Versailles and a welcome contingent of colleagues from Hilton Brussels City. The 90 runners efforts at the Paris-Versailles made the sore feet that followed very worthwhile as more than 11,000 was raised for their chosen charities, Source Vive and Belgium-based Fondation contre le Cancer. Earlier in the year the hotels had raised more than 8,000 for Les Treteaux Blancs, which also supports children with illnesses.

Directors message
2011 has been a surprising year for the Foundation. When other charities have seen a marked decline in fortunes we have been lucky that you, our supporters, have gone from strength to strength. We have seen our existing events improve as well as new events and initiatives develop. Thanks to you we have been able to respond to the ever increasing demands from the charities that we seek to support and we have been able to award a record amount in grants to provide opportunities for young people. By channelling your charitable goodwill through the Foundation, you have provided young people with the opportunities to gain the skills and confidence to build their own futures; you have provided equipment, facilities and support workers to enable these young people to have an education and gain the experience needed to secure a job; you have donated medical equipment, care and paid for health workers to care for sick and vulnerable young people, aiding their recovery or easing their suffering. Every penny has had an impact and made a difference. It would be remiss of me not to thank my team and our army of Foundation Champions at this juncture. They work incredibly hard for the Foundation. With every grant that we make we receive five more requests; and with an ever competitive charity market we have to remain efficient and continually be innovative about how we raise our funds. We are motivated by your enthusiasm and, like you, by seeing the positive effect that our collective work can have. We are fortunate that through the Travel with Purpose structure we continue to have access to Hilton Worldwides assets venues, guests and suppliers and best of all you. With your Blue Energy, imagination and drive we are able to achieve so much. From events and campaigns such as Ducks for Change; Around the World in a Day; and Small Change, Big Difference; to the hundreds of events, races and Balls that happen, as well as the invaluable volunteering and mentoring that has such a direct effect there are so many ways that you are providing young people with opportunities and making a difference. The Foundations impact is all down to your hard work. So thank you on our behalf and on behalf of the young people that have benefited from your help and support. We look forward to working with you in 2012 and we wish you and your families well during this festive season. Simon Sheehan Director

Barbecues, car boot sales and tombolas were Hilton Dusseldorfs sources of funding for their local charity partner, Kindergarten Zaunknigweg. The team embraced social media, using facebook and twitter to attract customers to the car boot sale. The team went to the kindergarten with a big chocolate cake. This followed a visit for a Christmas party at the hotel which doubled as an Open Day where baking cookies proved very popular. 160 team members took part in a sports day and were sponsored by suppliers, commercial partners and guests. The Red and Black staff tombola, raised an excellent 6,500.

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www.hilton-foundation.org.uk

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Brave and cheerful Liam

Its hard to tell by his smiling face but every day he lives with more pain that you are I could even imagine. Liams little body is covered in wounds and blisters. Its so bad that even a gentle hug from his mummy Grainne can cause him more pain. His delicate skin requires constant care and his little life is taken over by bursting blisters and daily bandages changes. Some days his feet are so sore he cant even wear shoes. DEBRA Ireland supports Liam and his family and HCF have funded a nurse to come into the family home and do two full dressing changes per week. This little boys body is 80% covered in bandages, due to the aggressive nature of this condition and a full bandage change can take anything up to four hours at a time. It can be very distressing for both the child and the primary carer. Because EB is a life long condition so bandages changes is something that this little boy has to come to terms with for the rest of his life. This support is invaluable to the family and gives Grainne a break from the distress caused for Liam by changing his bandages. The grant will continue to support this project which has been life changing for Grainne and the rest of her family. DEBRA Ireland was set up by parents who have children born with an extremely painful skin condition known as epidermolysis bullosa (EB). To put it simply, children born with the condition, have skin internally and externally that is as delicate and fragile as the wings of a butterfly, and just as easily damaged. In 2011, Conrad Dublin, Hilton Dublin City and Hilton Dublin Airport have been supporting the work of Debra Ireland. This included hosting a black tie ball held in October raising over 25,000 as well as holding various smaller fundraising activities throughout the year. The hotels have recently nominated DEBRA Ireland to receive further support in 2012.

The condition is unrelenting and with time the effects it has on those living with it is unimaginable. As our patients grow older, they live with the real and imminent fear of developing a very aggressive form of skin cancer. DEBRA Ireland offers support and hope for the future for those living with the condition right now. Something that we could not do without the support from Hilton in the Community Foundation. Through donations such as yours we are able to continue to fund specialists nursing care for Liam. Thank you.

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