(September 7, 2020) Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has announced its 500 nominated winners of its global campaign #SLHFORHEROES, rewarding 1,000 room nights to those on the frontline who have supported their communities through the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.
The #SLHFORHEROES campaign recognised those that went above and beyond to help others during the Coronavirus outbreak. Winners, chosen on the merit of their nomination by the SLH team and an external judge, Steven King, Editor-at-Large Condé Nast Traveller (UK), have each been rewarded with a two-night stay at one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties. With over 520 hotels in more than 90 countries, SLH offers the opportunity to experience countryside retreats, beach resorts, cities and historic locations, subject to travel restrictions.
Winners have done everything from ensuring the livelihood of affected local communities; isolated from families to ensure they remain protected whilst fulfilling their duties; delivering supplies to the vulnerable and shielding; to people working for the government job retention scheme transferring to supporting in A&E as healthcare assistants at weekends; not forgetting those doctors and nurses who contracted the virus while caring for patients, who returned as soon as fit to do so.
A selection of Heroes’ stories:
Stephanie Tan, Singapore: “Stephanie is a flight attendant who is a loving mum to a pair of beautiful twins and a caring wife. During this Covid-19 pandemic, flight attendants lose 70% of their income. Despite having to monitor one of her daughter's medical condition, she volunteers at a local hospital in Singapore to help elderly patients. God bless her kindness.”
Anthony Houlihan, Singapore: “During the Covid-19 crisis, Anthony decided to take his free time to become a food delivery writer, and donating all earnings to charity. Anthony has now raised over $40,000 which will be donated to the Cancer Foundation of Singapore. His story has impacted so many of us for his courage, selfishness, and determination. You are an inspiration to us all.”
Yeo Kim Kee, Singapore: “My hero is a nurse. Kim is a retired nurse but chose to stay on and help and extend his services voluntarily. Despite the hardships and health risks, he continue to do his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing patients with life-saving medicine, preparing their food, cleaning their hospitals, caring for those who are most vulnerable, and keeping us safe - while earning no wages nor any benefits. My utmost respect to Kim.”
In addition to the two nights, winners will further unlock additional hidden extras once their reservation is confirmed at a participating hotel. These extras, generously donated by SLH hotels in support of the campaign, include spa treatments, airport transfers, surfing lessons, private tours, dinners and extra nights.
Richard Hyde, Managing Director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World says: “We are immensely heartened by the stories told by members of the public on behalf of their nominees. There really is an enormous sense of gratitude for those around the world who have worked tirelessly in the face of the pandemic. We are delighted that the campaign attracted so many nominations on a global scale – winners spanned 33 countries worldwide with 25% coming from the Asia-Pacific. From frontline health workers through to delivery drivers and the army of charity workers and volunteers supporting the elderly, homeless and disadvantaged, these outstanding individuals have put their lives on the line every day and we hope these nights and special escapes provides them with the break they deserve”.
“It was a pleasure to support SLH on such a worthwhile campaign. I enjoyed reading the moving and uplifting stories of so many remarkable men and women. Judging the final list was difficult but each of the 500 individuals on the SLH for Heroes winners’ list is entirely deserving. And there are thousands – hundreds and hundreds of thousands – of others like them around the world. Good people doing extraordinary things at a time of tremendous difficulty.” Steven King, Editor-at-Large Condé Nast Traveller (UK).
SLH unites a desirable community of independently minded travellers with independently spirited hotels around the world. Caring for the community and considerate travel are at the heart of the SLH ethos, providing luxury experiences in a unique way within a safe environment.
●#SLHFORHEROES – special stays awarded to special people●
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