Having just completed another successful edition of their flea market charity event, the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort is one step closer to achieving their financial target to go to Kenya. The hotel has been hosting flea markets since 2010, each time with the objective of helping a particular charity. In addition to helping out various causes, the events also give local residents a chance to find new homes for various belongings. We spoke to Martina Venus from the hotel about this year’s targets.
‘When we first began these events in 2010, people were not really aware of what to expect; many thought that these would just be handmade craft sales,’ says Martina. ‘However the idea soon caught on; now we host 90 stands where people bring all kinds of items to sell; from clothes to books to furniture.’ Spots are always taken quickly and interested buyers get great deals on unique items that people might have brought with them from their countries of origin but no longer have either use or room for them.
The funds gained from this year’s market sales will go entirely to benefitting 75 children living in Kibera, which is the largest slum in Kenya. ‘The children living there are truly destitute, with not even the barest of essentials,’ adds Martina. The mission is to send some management staff from the hotel to distribute goods and essentials. The children reside in an orphanage called the ‘Impoverished Children’s Project’, built by an Australian expat lady residing in Kenya, Catherine Whiting,’ adds says Martina. ‘Seeing the deplorable conditions these little ones faced prompted Catherine and her husband to build this facility and run it solely using their own personal finances. ‘We got in touch with Catherine through Cause Connect.’ Cause Connect is a group that helps corporations find charities that they can get involved with. Although there were several suggestions for this year’s chosen charity, the Kenya slum project was voted on unanimously. ‘Everyone agreed that we should dedicate our funds from the flea market to benefitting 75 children in the Kenya slum.’
In addition to the funds gained at the flea market events, interested parties can leave donations at the reception of the hotel. Currently, the flea markets have amassed about Dhs36,700. The money will be spent on food bags, clothing and basic supplies for the facility. ‘We also get someone to sponsor our flights, so the trip is entirely sponsored or covered from our own funds,’ explains Martina. This way, it is ensured that all money is well spent on the intended cause. ‘Although the hotel has always been involved in donating to charities, the unique thing about actually going to remote places is that you really are in control of how your funds are spent,’ Martina tells us.
Having done similar trips in the past, the staff knows what to expect from this year’s visit. ‘Last year, we visited a slum in Tanzania and the experience was incredibly eye-opening and immensely moving. I would strongly recommend that everyone volunteer on such a mission at some point in their lives.’ Looking at the images of previous trips, one is immediately struck by the utter glee seen in the children’s eyes as they receive basic clothes or food. Martina has covered the experience in a detailed blog, which is equally saddening and uplifting. By continuing these missions, brands like Sheraton are helping to make a difference where it really counts.
To read Martina’s blog, visit www.martinavenus.blogspot.com. To learn more about the Sheraton’s flea markets, call 02 677 3333.
