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There's room at (Royal York) inn
By Unknown
December 12, 2008
TORONTO - Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel is no stranger to old-fashioned Christmas giving, but gives it a modern twist.
Instead of giving away wrapped gifts, the hotel will be offering a free place to stay for people visiting hospitalized family members or for people from outside of the city who need daily medical treatment. The “Room at the Inn” program offers patients at St. Michael’s Hospital, Casey House Hospice or Hospice Toronto the opportunity of staying for up to as many as seven nights. So unlike Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story, those selected will have a pretty cosy refuge.
Instead of giving away wrapped gifts, the hotel will be offering a free place to stay for people visiting hospitalized family members or for people from outside of the city who need daily medical treatment. The “Room at the Inn” program offers patients at St. Michael’s Hospital, Casey House Hospice or Hospice Toronto the opportunity of staying for up to as many as seven nights. So unlike Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story, those selected will have a pretty cosy refuge.
“It’s something we’re very interested in doing and we always have different types of families stay with us,” said Melanie Coates, the regional director of public relations for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
The endeavour, now in its 16th year, runs until Dec. 30, offering a maximum of 10 rooms per night.
Coates said it is a great opportunity for family members visiting from far away to be with their loved one, without having to stay at the hospice or hospital. They also avoid the hassle of getting a place close enough to the hospital, since the Royal York is only a short distance from all three facilities.
Many patients, if the level of care is low enough, can stay at the hotel too. This opportunity is great for someone going through chemotherapy treatment or dialysis who might want somewhere other than a hospital bed to stay during the night, Coates added.
“We try to make them feel at home as much as possible.”
Those interested in taking advantage of this generosity must speak to their hospital social worker who will then determine their level of need and consult with the hotel.
The endeavour, now in its 16th year, runs until Dec. 30, offering a maximum of 10 rooms per night.
Coates said it is a great opportunity for family members visiting from far away to be with their loved one, without having to stay at the hospice or hospital. They also avoid the hassle of getting a place close enough to the hospital, since the Royal York is only a short distance from all three facilities.
Many patients, if the level of care is low enough, can stay at the hotel too. This opportunity is great for someone going through chemotherapy treatment or dialysis who might want somewhere other than a hospital bed to stay during the night, Coates added.
“We try to make them feel at home as much as possible.”
Those interested in taking advantage of this generosity must speak to their hospital social worker who will then determine their level of need and consult with the hotel.