It's the Thought (and the Money) That Counts

While we're rushing to complete our Christmas shopping in time, who has time to support the less fortunate? Two of Shanghai’s hotels, Hilton and JW Marriot are taking initiatives to support organisations so that we can.

The JW Marriot is supporting the Baobei Foundation, which helps Chinese medical professionals and institutions to provide critical surgery and aftercare for Chinese orphans born with neurological and gastrointestinal disorders.

The hotel facilitated a charity art auction curated by the Fellini Gallery to raise funds for the foundation. We visited the JW Marriot on auction night and found a mixture of art lovers and hotel guests admiring the artwork on display with starting prices between 3,000-15,000 RMB.

Meanwhile the Hilton’s annual Charity Train project allows companies have their names and logos placed on customized trains, boxcars, hot air balloons, airplanes, bridges, tunnels and billboards, all to raise funds for Shanghai Sunrise, Obis International and the Red Cross.  Shanghai Sunrise and Orbis International raises funds for children to attend school and for the elderly to receive eye care. Kids (and some magazine editors) love the Hilton's Christmas Train - go and see it soon.

Whether it's purchasing a piece of art work or a chance for showing your company's commitment to supporting those more in need, it's great to see some thoughtful spending being done.