BHA LINEN DRIVE AND ORPHANAGE TOUR

BHA Press Release: BALI HOTELS ASSOCIATION CONDUCTS LINEN DRIVE AND ORPHANAGE TOUR

Bali 4 October, 2013 – Bali Hotels Association recently visited four orphanages in Singaraja as part of its annual linen drive. This initiative was headed by Mrs. Virginie Tutin Sandstrom, Director in charge of Community Service for BHA. She was assisted by five participants also representing the organization.

A bus containing 52 boxes of linen, towels and pillows departed Kuta at 8am for the journey to Singaraja. All items had been generously donated by members of the Bali Hotels Association namely The 101 Legian, Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, Aerowisata Sanur Beach Bali, The Oberoi Bali, Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali, Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, The Elysian, Harris Resort Kuta Beach, and Maya Ubud Resort & Spa.

The first stop was at the largest orphanage in the region, NARAYAN SEVA, which provides a nurturing home environment to 85 children. The bus then visited Widhya Asih with 80 children c in care followed by Permata Bangsa and Al Khoirot, currently looking after 30 disadvantaged youngsters each.

“Life in Bali is influenced by a social practice known as ‘gotong royong’, which refers to joint responsibility and mutual cooperation. BHA is inspired by the ideals of this concept and the ongoing benefits of supporting those in need. The annual linen drive is one of many programs carried by BHA on a regular basis with the aim of giving back to the local community,” comments Alessandro Migliore, Chairman of Bali Hotels Association.

“Visiting these orphanages was a truly inspiring experience. All of the children go to school and are being taught the necessary life skills that will enable them to become productive members of society. They are polite and extremely well spoken. Through the generosity of others, each orphanage has been able to slowly improve its facilities and living conditions. On this particular trip we were shown an organic garden, a batik workshop and donated computers. The children can participate in English classes, yoga, gymnastics, singing, dancing and other activities essential to growing up,” says Virginie Tutin Sandstrom.

She adds, “Our deepest respect goes to the caregivers for their dedicated efforts in assuming total responsibility for these children and giving them love as well as a sense of purpose. BHA has played a small role in comparison, but we are extremely happy in knowing that the linen collected is being put to good use.”

Primary caregiver from Panti Asuhan Widhya Asih 3 Singaraja, Ibu Made Kristiani concluded, “We really appreciate the visit and donation from BHA. Everyone here is smiling today and each child received their own towel, pillow and bed sheet. It is small items like these that help us create a proper home environment.”