At Pillows Hotels, we want to help shape the future of responsible traveling with those who stay, work and partner with us. We love to share our ongoing efforts and partnerships to create a positive impact on our community and environment with you. In this first blog in our sustainability series, we talk to Jörgen Rijnaard, general manager Pillows Maurits at the Park, about their latest collaboration to support families facing food insecurity.

“At Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park, we are deeply committed to our community and believe in the transformative power of hospitality.” says Jörgen Rijnaard. “Through our 'We Care' programme, we strive to lead by example in responsible travel, ensuring that our actions positively impact both our guests and our surroundings. This promise is not merely a promise, but a journey we actively pursue every day."

Commitment to Local Initiatives

Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park is proud to be part of Luxury Hotels of Amsterdam, a unique collaboration of 25 four- and five-star hotels. All participating hotels contribute to the ‘Armoede-ambassadeurs van Amsterdam’ (Poverty Ambassadors of Amsterdam), an initiative committed to supporting local efforts under the leadership of Councillor Marjolein Moorman.

Our collective actions have included organizing galas with the Red Cross Amsterdam, hosting dinners for support buddies, and providing free school breakfasts in Amsterdam Noord.

Partnering with Helen's Free Food Market

The general manager is happy with the newest initiative, partnering with Helen's Free Food Market. “Recently, we were thrilled to join hands with Helen's Free Food Market to address food insecurity in Amsterdam,” says Jörgen. “This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need within our community.” Located at De VerbroederIJ in Amsterdam Noord, Helen's Free Food Market is a vital community initiative. With the help of dedicated volunteers, they collect surplus food and distribute it weekly to 100 low-income households. This grassroots effort not only reduces food waste but also provides essential support to families facing food insecurity.

Our Contribution

Luxury Hotels of Amsterdam will donate meals to Helen's Free Food Market for a year. The twenty-five hotels will provide 50 meals for two consecutive weeks. These meals are prepared with the same care and quality that our guests experience in our hotel, ensuring they are nutritious and easy to reheat for recipients. Jörgen: “We think it is important to contribute personally as well. Therefore our Pillows Team will be volunteering to support Helen’s Free Food Market. Our contribution to this local intiative fits perfectly with our "We Care" programme.”

A Shared Vision for the Future

The kick-off event at the Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership aimed at making a tangible difference in our community. “It was inspiring to see founders, volunteers, and leaders come together to support this cause, including Helen van der Bilt, general manager Hotel American, and Harro Hoogerwerf, head of the poverty reduction department of the municipality of Amsterdam,” Jörgen shares.

Guided by Our "We Care" Programme

This collaboration with Helen's Free Food Market exemplifies Pillows Maurits at the Park's dedication to making a difference, not only today but for generations to come. By aligning our efforts with meaningful initiatives and our "We Care" programme's principles, we are proud to contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world.

The "We Care" programme at Hotel Maurits at the Park focuses on five key principles that guide our actions towards a sustainable and responsible future:

Championing Diversity: Creating an inclusive environment where everyone thrives, both within our team and in our community.

Harmony with Our Neighbourhood: Supporting initiatives like Helen's Free Food Market allows us to contribute positively to our local community, fostering stronger bonds and a better future for all.

Reducing Energy Use and Carbon Emissions: We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

Supporting Wellbeing through Cultured Food: We promote healthy, sustainable food options that minimize suffering and support local cultures and traditions.

Minimizing Environmental Impact: Through proactive measures, we aim to reduce our impact on the environment and actively contribute to its preservation and improvement.

About Luxury Hotels of Amsterdam

Luxury Hotels of Amsterdam is a unique collaboration of 25 four- and five-star hotels: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, The Apollo Hotel Amsterdam, Bilderberg Garden Hotel, Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American, Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam, De L'Europe Amsterdam, Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam, Hilton Amsterdam, Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Hotel Pulitzer, Amstel Hotel Amsterdam, Kimpton de Witt, Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Center, NH Collection Barbizon Palace, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park, Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam, Radisson Blu Hotel Schiphol Airport, Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, The Dylan, W Amsterdam, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam.

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