The Giving Tree

We are so fortunate to live in a community where nonprofits thrive and concerned citizens can make a difference by helping any of the hundreds of charities in the Valley of the Sun.  But choosing that charity can be challenging, and whether it’s attending a fundraiser or just sending a check, sometimes we look to local businesses for guidance.

As I wander around the world I often look to see what other communities are doing to support their local charities and nonprofit initiatives.  On a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I stumbled upon a giant Christmas tree made of sugar (white chocolate to be exact).  I was awestruck by the size, the message and the vision of what this one community leader is doing to make a difference.

The Shangri-La Hotel and Resort group operates 72 luxury properties worldwide.   Inspired by the 1933 novel Lost Horizon, where utopia exists in the Valley of the Blue Moon,the company encourages each of its properties and employees to make a difference in their local communities. 

In Kuala Lumpur, under the guidance of Ms. Rosemarie Wee, director of communications, the hotel’s  annual charity project is entitled “Embrace the Gift of Life.”  Ms. Wee has been on site for the past 25+ years and each holiday season leverages the Shangri-La brand to help those in need.  This year’s project aids children suffering from severe heart ailments and loss of limbs.  The Shangri-La has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years with this giant Christmas tree that has had countless themes.

How they do it is as heartfelt as their mission:  the hotel underwrites the tree and asks community leaders, guests and residents to buy an ornament.  This year’s ornament is a beautiful, handmade and perfectly decorated white chocolate Christmas tree created by one of their many chefs.  These sugar masterpieces sell for RM1000, which is about $350 USD, and they sell out every year, with the buyer’s name prominently displayed above the miniature tree.  The tree is displayed during the month of December and is viewed as a rite of passage for the Holiday season.

Each pledge directly benefits a child in-need, and their progress is monitored during treatment.  There is a celebration for the supporters at the end of the event, followed by a check presentation in which the Shangri-La Hotel staff beams with pride each year.

As simple as sugar, as meaningful as making a difference, this is how one business on the other side of the world gives back during the holidays.

To learn more about Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, click here or call (01) 11 03 2074 3586 for more information on the "Embrace the Gift of Life" project.