ESG (Environmental, Social and corporate governance) means to meet all people’s needs equitably and fairly while doing business within the limits of the world’s resources and ecosystems while preserving those resources and ecosystems for future generations. Here are some recent examples of Outrigger ESG efforts.
Global Contact Center (GCC)
BY ANGELA GAJEFSKI — This year, Denver Global Contact Center (GCC) hosts’ ESG initiative focused on a philanthropic partnership with the Ronald McDonald House located in Aurora, Colorado.
The Ronald McDonald House is a wonderful program that focuses on improving the health and well-being of children and their families. Each year they provide more than 1.5 million overnight stays, helping families save nearly $504 million in lodging and meal expenses while their child receives treatment at a local children’s hospital.
They also host an annual Santa’s Workshop that is a free shopping experience for families who are staying at the house during the weeks leading up to the holidays. Families are able to shop free of charge in the Santa’s Workshop for their loved ones. Volunteers then wrap the gifts and Santa’s Helpers deliver the boxes to the families’ rooms on Christmas Eve.
This year, GCC hosts collectively donated over 100 toys and books at their Annual Holiday Celebration. The toys and books were then delivered to the Ronald McDonald House in Aurora.
Outrigger Koh Samui and Samui Elephant Haven
BY LEAH MATTERS — In 2022, elephant riding still remains a popular bucket-list item for people traveling to Thailand. But what one doesn’t truly understand is the cruelty and endless suffering these poor creatures endure.
The team at Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort have partnered with Samui Elephant Haven sanctuary in its bid to not only rescue elephants from exploitation (elephant riding, performing in circuses, logging and street begging) but also to raise awareness with visitors and help them to make more educated choices.
Founder of Samui Elephant Haven, Maew Suriya, ensures that the rescued elephants are able to freely roam through the 60 rai (almost 24 acres) sanctuary, expressing their natural instincts through play and interaction while foraging for native plants and bathing in the various pools.
There is no riding or bathing permitted like many sanctuaries throughout Thailand targeting tourists. Instead, one can expect a meaningful experience learning about Thailand’s national animal.
Each month, we go to the sanctuary to volunteer by preparing food and treats for the elephants, cleaning of pens and any other requested tasks. We were most fortunate to have Khun Meaw share with us the heartbreaking stories of each of the elephants, their ongoing rehabilitation journeys and how we, the people of Samui, can help change the future for these beautiful and gentle giants. In addition to volunteering, we are also arranging fundraising activities to allow Khun Meaw to continue to purchase injured and or abused elephants from their mahouts (a person who works with, rides and tends an elephant), which can cost more than a THB 1 million (USD$28,500) for female elephants and THB 3 – 4 million (USD$85,500-$114,000) for males.
Stayed tuned to our journey and partnership with Samui Elephant Haven.
The gallery was not found!Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa (OKR)
BY VICKY AKANA — On December 16, OKR delivered a truckload of gifts to the Salvation Army. Hosts purchased gift items to fulfill about 50 Angel Tree tags. OKR has participated in this charity for years, and each year, our hosts purchase more gifts to benefit those in need. We are so proud of our Outrigger Kona ‘ohana for their generosity each year.
The gallery was not found!Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort (MOR)
BY KHARESHMA SONOO — Sadly, many children will go without receiving a gift this holiday season simply because their families cannot afford it. The team at Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, taking into consideration the company’s value of treating others with compassion, respect, dignity and love, were pleased to be able to celebrate Christmas Angels at the resort.
The concept is simple: Invite unprivileged children from the local community to enjoy a day at the resort, with games, lunch, dance and a Christmas present from Santa.
There is no doubt that both giver and receiver are blessed in this effort. Happy Holidays to all.
The gallery was not found!Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger (RSC)
BY CYNDE VANNATTA — On December 13, the Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger team went to Old Kona Airport Beach Park & Recreation Area for a morning beach clean-up. Taking care of our place in The Outrigger Way were: Nathan Davis, Kim Miranda, Doug Alcain, Nick Johnson, Greggy Flores, Maggie Cuasito, Julie Mangayayam and me.