Marriott Hotel Glasgow Employee Challenge 2009

Employees from the Marriott Hotel Glasgow enthusiastically took part in an employee challenge by undertaking a garden makeover for Quarriers Glasgow Supported Living Initiative (SLI).  Glasgow SLI supports people who have acquired brain injury to live an independent life in their own homes.  This took place during Volunteers Week (June 2009) which celebrated 25 years of volunteering.

The challenge was to reinstate the garden area for Brian who lives in his own home in the outskirts of Glasgow and is supported by the project. Brian’s partner Liz said Brian gets great pleasure from sitting in the garden enjoying the sun, fresh air and listening to the birds singing.  However the garden which is huge had became so overgrown and wild that this was just not possible.

Thankfully, the sun shone on the day of the challenge and ten employees from the Marriott House Hotel successfully undertook the one day challenge.

This is what Liz and Brian had to say: “we found the experience very exciting and helpful.  The group who came were lovely people who carried out the work with great enthusiasm!  It made such a difference to the garden, which is being enjoyed by everyone now in the lovely weather.  The task was well organised and everyone was so thoughtful.  Our grateful thanks to everyone concerned in organising a successful venture”.

Robert Henderson, Team Leader from Glasgow SLI said: “This was a new venture for me and I was surprised to learn the opportunities that were out there in this regard.  The process was easy and the Volunteer Co-ordinator was of great assistance”.

Comments from the volunteers taking part:

“Helping out during Volunteers Week was very rewarding and really good fun. It’s a central part of Marriott’s Spirit to Serve the Community where all departments are able to give time willingly and enthusiastically. It further cements our relationship with Quarriers and allows us to give back to the local community”. (Yvonne Dunlop –Director of Sales, Marriott Glasgow)

“Volunteering for Quarriers provided me with a great amount of satisfaction.  Although it was tiring, everybody worked together to get the job done.  It was well worth it, especially at the end once we were able to show our achievements to Brian and his wife.  For those who are thinking of doing something but haven’t yet, just remember ….. nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something!!!” (Marc – Event Manager, Glasgow Marriott)

“Although it was tiring and the hardest I’ve worked in ages, when you see the difference it makes to someone’s life, it’s 110% worthwhile”.  (Emma – Sales Manager, Glasgow Marriott

“I didn’t so much volunteer, I got drafted – but I’m glad I did!   It was really good to get out into the community and actually help.  Donating to charity is one thing, but when you actually see the faces of the people that you have helped, it makes the experience far more rewarding” (Gary – Cost Controller, Glasgow Marriott)

“It was great to see a bunch of people all pulling together outside a work environment – but have fun at the same time.  I would definitely do it again!  (Hugh White – Yvonne’s Dad!)

“Exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time – fantastic!” (Elaine – PA to General Manager, Glasgow Marriott