LONDON – Hilton has teamed up with charity partner Springboard to encourage Team Members to volunteer for the charity, as it faces the challenges of delivering crucial services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 crisis has had a profound impact on Springboard, which delivers training and support to disadvantaged and young people looking to start a career in hospitality. With social distancing and funding cuts hampering its operation whilst demand for its services grows, the charity has reacted quickly by introducing virtual training and mentoring. It is now seeking volunteers to support its members, many of whom have found themselves without income and employment opportunities as a result of the crisis.
Hilton Team Members from across the UK have already put their hands up to help the charity in its mission to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals. Contributions range from volunteering to support the charity with its everyday operations to running webinars to ensure members remain engaged and inspired to join the industry.
Francesco D’Agostino, Bar Manager, Hilton London Metropole, was one of the first to volunteer, running a mixology webinar earlier this month with fellow Team Member Serena Fedele. He said: “I’ve worked in hospitality for more than 14 years, and I’m so glad to be part of the huge family at Hilton London Metropole. That is a feeling I’d love other people to have the opportunity to experience too. I wanted to volunteer for Springboard not only to share my knowledge with others, but to inspire them to continue their journey into the incredible world of hospitality.”
Springboard is seeking more volunteers with a passion for hospitality and specialist skills – from hotel operations to HR and communications. Specific activities include recording video messages and offering one-to-one mentoring, as well as consultancy on specific business needs including HR, marketing and IT.
Anne Pierce, Springboard’s CEO said: “Many of our trainees are currently struggling to cope without an income, and need us, more than ever, to keep them engaged and motivated. We’re grateful for the support provided by Hilton’s Team Members, which will help ensure we continue to develop and grow our online training modules and create more engaging and motivational content. We will always need more volunteers and encourage anyone to get in touch to support – whether you can spare an hour a week – or some time every day.”
Stephen Cassidy, Managing Director, UK and Ireland, Hilton, said: “Springboard plays a critical role in improving hospitality career prospects for disadvantaged and young people, but like all hospitality businesses, it has been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis. At the same time, many of our hotels have suspended operations and Team Members are looking for positive ways to spend their time and share their expertise. Supporting young people is a key part of our Travel with Purpose 2030 goals, so we are delighted to see so many volunteers jump at the chance to help protect our industry’s talent pipeline in preparation for recovery.”
To find out more or to sign up to volunteer, visit Springboard’s volunteering platform.
