SERENA LIGHTS UP CHILDREN’S FACES
(Posted 24th December 2013)
The wife of Serena’s Chief Executive Mrs. Janmohamed joined members of his staff in bringing the Christmas spirit to the children of the Cottolengo Centre, when hosting them at the Nairobi Serena Hotels for a luncheon before letting Santa Claus shower the kids with gifts. These children were considered as particularly needy as they are orphans affected by HIV / AIDS.
This year Serena decided NOT to go the usual corporate way of splashing in season gifts but dedicated those funds to make the season memorable across the countries where they operate, from Kenya over Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania to Mozambique. In all those countries did the company pool their resources and lit up the faces of little kids rather than the conventional Christmas trees.
Officiating the handover event and celebrations was the General Manager Nairobi Serena Hotel, Mr. Daniel Kangu, who was joined by several guests, business suppliers and members of staff. Mr. Kangu took time to appreciate all who had helped make the children’s dreams a reality, and applauded especially his members of staff who had over the past months engaged these children at various levels to get a view of the gifts that would make their Christmas tide glow.
‘I am deeply humbled by the presence of these little angels here today and more so by all of you for the selfless contribution towards making this day a success’ said Mr. Kangu before adding: ‘I am reminded of the gentle words of Mother Teresa who once said that it is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. And it is my sincere belief that all of us here have been involved out of nothing but pure love for the children of Cottolengo Centre’.
The spirit of the season, clearly, but something Serena in many CSR activities across the year excels in and practices. Merry Christmas to the Serena staff on this occasion who have shared their stories throughout the year and kept their company in the media spotlight with good news.
The Cottolengo Centre plays home to about 80 vulnerable, abandoned and orphaned children, affected and infected by HIV/ AIDS. Established in 1994, the Centre’s main objective has been to provide a holistic environment for the development of the children, while ensuring their nutrition and medication needs are also met.
