Starwood hotels in Kuala Lumpur are teaming up in a joint effort to raise much needed funds to financially support local children born with congenital heart defects. Starwood has become a valued supporter of this charity programme founded by Gleneagles Hospital in Kuala Lumpur. This year for the first time, four Starwood hotels in KL, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur and Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur will coordinate efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause this Christmas.
Each property is selling Bintang the Bear soft toys, priced at a minimum of RM 50, in four distinctive designs reflecting the unique characteristics of each of the four hotels. This collection has been created exclusively for Starwood by Penang based artist Tiffany Choong of Bulanlifestyle.com.
Tiffany’s philosophy is to go beyond the aesthetics of art to showcase ethical living and social responsibility.
“When this project presented itself, I was so happy to be part of it. It is my passion to use my art for positive social change and to create awareness for the community,” Tiffany said.
“For this project, my starting point was to create four inspiring designs that not only reflected the four different hotel brands but also bring in elements of a tropical Christmas and all four designs are tied together by motivational and positive words to live by: Discover, Dream, Play and Love,” she explained.
“In the true spirit of giving back, Starwood welcomed opportunities to contribute to the communities and the alliance in which the partnership with Gleneagles Hospital was built. We have always strived to engage with the community and hope to share our success with a meaningful cause and this time the children are our core focus as they are the next generation of the future. All proceeds from our Bintang, the bear Christmas Charity effort will be channeled to Gleneagles Hospital”, says Chuck Abbott, Regional Vice President – South East Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Inc
About Bintang, The Bear
Like Starwood’s esteemed guests, Bintang the Bear has all the traits of a cultured traveller. He constantly seeks out refreshing new experiences in art, culture, music and wellness. The design of the bear represents the brand elements of each hotel through Tiffany’s creative touch.
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
The brand Le Méridien draws on its roots in global travel, a strong interest in the arts, and a passion for coffee and wine culture that leads to unlocking the creative – minded traveler to the most unexpected and engaging experiences. Tiffany’s design for Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur incorporates elements of Peranakan heritage, symbolized by the traditional peony flower and fashioned with intricate Islamic geometric patterns.
Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur
At its heart, Sheraton is about people, and about bringing people together around the world. Through this, Love and hibiscus puzzle are the inspirations behind the design for Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, representing its core values “Warm, Connected and Community”, which display Malaysia’s warm hospitality and genuine community spirit. A bauble with a candy and star depicts the warmth of Christmas.
The Westin Kuala Lumpur
The Westin Kuala Lumpur bear features a crescent moon and stars expressing a luxuriant sleep, alongside a leaf which represents holistic wellness and health. These are the exact values which reinforce the Westin brand as a haven for authentic well-being.
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral design is perfectly attuned to the hotel’s bold urban philosophy and fun social vibe. Wearing a headset with a Christmas drink in hand, the Aloft bear embodies the essence of a fun-loving free spirit. Bintang the Bear will be unveiled on 22 November 2014 at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur. Outpatients of the ‘heart for a heart’ programme will be invited with their families to enjoy an afternoon of family- friendly activities, organized by each hotel.
As Christmas is fast approaching, a bear makes an ideal gift for loved ones or it can be donated to the charity programme for a child in need. As an alternative, guests may choose a name from the ‘Christmas Wishing Tree’ located at the hotel lobby to buy as a Christmas present for one or more children. Payments and gift service is organized at the front desk of each respective hotel.
To learn more about the Bintang the Bear Christmas Charity Event and the work of Gleneagles Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, enquiries are welcome at the front desk of each property or visit the respective hotels’ website for more information.
-Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral: www.aloftkualalumpursentral.com
– Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur: www.lemeridienkualalumpur.com
– Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur: www.sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com
-The Westin Kuala Lumpur: www.thewestinkualalumpur.com