Elite Hotels, a privately-owned collection of three individual and distinctive hotels in the English counties of Sussex and Hampshire, has announced its charitable partner for 2024 is Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Committed to delivering a positive impact in the lives of people with hearing disabilities, Elite Hotels is taking significant steps towards fostering positive change. The Rotherwick Foundation, the charitable arm of Elite Hotels, is already actively supporting Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, reinforcing the group’s dedication to making a difference in the community.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a charity that trains dogs to transform the lives of deaf people.
Started in 1982 by Dr Bruce Fogle and Lady Beatrice Wright, the charity trains dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds that they would otherwise be unaware of, such as a smoke alarm, an alarm clock, and even a baby’s cry.
Deafness can be a very isolating disability, and a hearing dog provides not only love but also companionship and emotional support. These amazing and well-trained dogs help deaf children and adults alike to leave loneliness behind and reconnect with life.
Graeme Bateman, Managing Director at Elite Hotels, commented, “Elite Hotels is honoured to announce our collaboration with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. We are committed to fostering engagement among our esteemed staff and valued guests in support of the commendable initiatives undertaken by this remarkable charity. With a longstanding dedication to philanthropy, we are pleased to introduce this auspicious partnership.”
Elite Hotels’ portfolio includes three properties:
Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, East Sussex, is set within 186 acres of stunning grounds, with lakes, secret gardens and woodland trails. This 19th-century mansion, set in the heart of Ashdown Forest, was the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s delightful Winnie-the-Pooh stories.
Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens, Hampshire, sitting in 66 acres of pretty countryside near Hook, Hampshire, is a grand Victorian Grade II listed country house; it is also an RHS Partner garden, with a Gertrude Jekyll-designed water garden, lakes and an Italian Garden with a wild orchid meadow. Tylney Hall also boasts the longest uninterrupted view in Hampshire; it is lined with impressive Giant Redwood trees.
The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, is one of the few five-star seafront hotels in the UK, affectionately known by locals as ‘The White Palace’. Exuding elegance, the hotel is directly opposite the seafront promenade, with plenty of opportunities for blustery coastal walks on the nearby South Downs Way.
All three properties will collaborate in a series of in-house fundraising events, where employees and guests alike can actively participate in initiatives designed to generate funds for this excellent cause.
David Robson, Head of Communications and Engagement at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said, “Elite Hotels’ support of Hearing Dogs will make a huge difference to the lives of deaf children and adults across the UK.”
He continues, “By raising money, donating, or actively participating in the great fundraising initiatives Elite have created, guests and employees will be helping to train more life-changing hearing dogs who will help deaf people leave loneliness behind and reconnect with life.”
Firstly, Elite Hotels is launching a matched donation scheme – Paw-sitive Connections – which will work in a range of different ways. Whether you book a wedding or a business meeting at one of its three properties during February, to take place on a date before the end of 2024, Elite will immediately donate £5 per person to this wonderful cause.
If the organisers wish to donate £5, too, then Elite will increase its donation by a further £5, making a £15 donation to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. It’s quick, simple and easy – and the same formula will apply to Leisure Club membership renewals at each property, too.
All funds raised will directly contribute to the training of an assistance puppy, providing crucial and life-changing support to individuals with hearing impairments.
Give back with an invisible doggy-themed side dish for dinner…
For all guests dining in the hotel’s restaurants and lounges from 1st February to 31st December 2024, there is the option of Gift Aid via an invisible doggy-themed side dish of Potatoes at the cost of £5.
The charm of this whimsical – and invisible – doggy-themed side dish is that the pleasure is simply in giving back. Despite its invisibility, the delight is genuine, and the £5 donation contributes to training treats that will support a Hearing Dog for a full month.
Paws for a Cause – Where Luxury Meets Compassion
Donate as part of an overnight stay at one of the Elite properties and book the Paws for a Cause: Transforming Lives with Hearing Dogs overnight break during February (for bookings until 31st December) and indulge in an exquisite getaway with an exclusive three-course Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast package.
Experience an unforgettable evening with a delectable dinner, followed by a restful night’s sleep, waking up to a sumptuous breakfast that will leave you refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Better still, you can share this experience with your furry companions (maximum of two dogs per booking).
What makes this package idea truly special is Elite’s commitment to making a positive impact; with every booking of a Paws for a Cause stay, Elite Hotels will not only match the £5 package donation by the guest but will double it to £10 per reservation, totalling a donation of £15 per reservation.
Guests also have the option to add a £5 donation on all online overnight bookings. From £388 per room per night at Ashdown Park Hotel, £280 per room per night at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne and £356 per room per night at Tylney Hall Hotel, available throughout February.
Fundraising events by Elite Hotels’ teams
The teams at Elite Hotels are also getting involved directly with fundraising as part of the 28-day Big Feb Fundraiser by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in February 2024. Firstly, the staff at The Grand Hotel are tackling a 28 km sponsored walk on 18th February.
Secondly, The Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club team is holding a relay race and quiz for staff on 25th February. And, on 28th February, the team at Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens is holding a contest to see who can cycle the furthest in 28 minutes on a sponsored bike ride.
As part of this charitable collaboration, Elite Hotels is inviting all 3,000 volunteers at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People the opportunity to stay at one of its three properties by offering 10% off overnight stays.
Leanne Cleaver, Sales & Marketing Director at Elite Hotels, says of this new charity partnership, “At Elite Hotels, we believe in the power of collective efforts to bring about positive change. Our commitment to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a testament to our values and dedication to corporate social responsibility.
We are eager to contribute meaningfully to the remarkable initiatives led by our charity partner, aiming to create a tangible impact in the lives of individuals requiring transformative support through the provision of a hearing dog companion.”
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