2016 TATOC Conference Highlight: Christel House

LEIGH CONNELLY reviews Diana Aitchison’s update on activities at Christel House, the timeshare industry’s charity of choice.

Diana Aitchison, Chief Operating Officer of Silverpoint Vacations, updated TATOC delegates on the progress of the Christel House charity.

Founded by RCI co-founder Christel Dehaan, Christel House is RCI’s preferred charity and also a TATOC-supported charity, which builds and runs schools for under-privileged children in several countries.

At the event, Aitchinson gave an overview of the funds raised in 2015, which included:

• A record total of £58,000 from the 13th Annual Christel House Open International Charity Golf Tournament, which took place on 8 June 2015 at Badgemore Park Golf Club in Oxfordshire.
• £40,000 raised by individuals completing the London Marathon in aid of Christel House.

Aitchison then went on to inform delegates about the building of a new school in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, which will open in Q4 of 2016. This exciting development highlights the growth and success of the charity, and the new school will enable many more children to benefit from its services.

Highlights of some of the schools were then given to demonstrate the continued beneficial application of donations to the charity.

Christel House Bangalore

• 1,143 students currently attend
• Has a 98% pass rate for graduation exams
• 89% of students pursue higher education
• 91% of graduates are currently embarking on further studies or working – with employers including Dell, Microsoft, Northern Trust and RCI.

Christel House South Africa

• 931 students currently attend
• Has a 98% pass rate for school graduation exams and a 100% pass rate for graduation exams which open the way to university – this surpasses the national average of 70%
• 95% of graduates are currently doing further studies, working, or both.

Aitchison then shared a video clip of students playing music at a dedication ceremony for the Ron Haylock Music Room at Christel House South Africa, where 325 students have learned to read, write and play music. The room is dedicated to the late Ron Haylock, in tribute to, and gratitude for, all his work with the charity. Haylock’s personal piano was also kindly bequeathed to the school.

Delegates also saw some images of happy students in Mexico celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead, and were able to read testimonials from students at the various schools.

At the TATOC Gala Dinner on the Saturday evening, TATOC ambassadors sold raffle tickets, raising a total of £2,100 in aid of Christel House. Various prizes were donated to this worthy cause by assembled delegates, including one week’s accommodation in any worldwide RCI accommodation, and an iPad Air 2 64GB, both donated by RCI. The prizes were happily received by the lucky winners.

To learn more about the work of Christel House or to make a donation, visit christelhouse.org/