In the UK every night there are approximately 140,000 unsold hotel rooms, which equates to £5 billion in wasted assets annually. Enter charity initiative Room to Reward, transforming these underutilised spaces, to a complimentary mini-break oasis for volunteers.

Room to Reward describe themselves as “a unique charity created to say, ‘thank you’ to the hidden heroes – inspirational volunteers who give up their time to make a difference to those who need it most.” Room to Reward are the middleman in linking unsold rooms from partner hotels and unsung Hidden Heroes, put forward by charities and voluntary groups together for unforgettable 1-2 night experiences.

It is estimated that 11.9 million people formally volunteer at least once a month, across 168,000 charities in England and Wales, and these charities are dependent on the volunteers to continue their vital work. However, with the increased demand placed upon services during the pandemic, figures have shown 47% of adults in England informally volunteered during the Covid crisis, the value of which is estimated to be approximately £25 billion. This means the work of Room to Reward, one of the only charities in the UK, exclusively working to recognise the contribution and work of volunteers, is even more necessary than ever before.

Volunteering is a selfless act and is often very rewarding in itself. People volunteer because either they themselves or members of their family have benefitted from the work and support of a charity, because they are looking to develop new skills and gain experience or – overwhelmingly – simply to make a difference. However, until now, charities have been unable to thank their volunteers in a meaningful, tangible way.

Room to Reward creates memorable experiences for people who truly deserve some recognition. The benefit of being able to take a short time away not only allows volunteers to feel the gratitude, appreciation and admiration we have for their roles, but it provides a vital break and time for respite.

Respite is necessary for volunteers to give them a chance to catch up on sleep, address their own health issues or quite simply the gift of time to just stop and relax and enjoy a couple of nights ‘away from it all.’

4Couture is delighted to become a new corporate sponsor to Room to Reward, to help support the work of the charity and over 500 partner hotels including the likes of Harbour Hotels, New Forest Collection and Farncombe Estate to name just a few.

Alongside sponsorship 4Couture will also be providing branded merchandise for the forthcoming first ever Room to Reward Charity Golf Day. This event will be taking place on Thursday the 22nd September at Barton-On-Sea Golf Club, with a round of 18 holes golf, entrant goody bags, followed by a three course dinner and charity auction at Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa. If you and your colleagues fancy a challenge this September, which is guaranteed to be fun, capture the last of the summer sun and raised funds for a fantastic charity why not enter a team today.

Adam Terpening, Charity Director comments “We are hugely grateful to 4Couture for joining the Room to Reward journey. These extraordinary times have highlighted the importance of community action and the huge impact it can have on those who need it most. Their wonderful support will make a real difference to charities, communities and the Hidden Heroes who do so much for them.”

To date Room to Reward have partnered with 500+ charities and community groups, rewarded over 1000 Hidden Heroes and donated £500,000 worth of hotel stays.

When speaking about the new collaboration 4Couture founder Lisa Morelli added “We are so excited to be partnering with Room To Reward, they are a natural partner for us here at 4Couture as our personalised uniforms largely serve the hospitality industry. It is also undeniable after the year we’ve had, the value and importance volunteers have in our society. It is an honour to be able to give back to these people even in a small way, to say thank you”.