Think about others at Christmas: The Estrel Berlin wants to bring joy to disadvantaged children with a wish-tree campaign during the Christmas period. Therefore, a very special Christmas tree decorates the lobby of Germany's largest hotel since 23rd November. This tree is dressed with golden cards, which were painted by children's skilful hands. The 30 girls and boys of the Child and Youth Centre St. Josef in Berlin-Neukölln have painted their Christmas wishes on the cards. By taking the Christmas wish – which has a value of 10 to 20 Euros – from the Christmas tree and paying for it at the front desk hotel guests as well as convention and show visitors can fulfil a Christmas wish and do a good deed by playing Santa Claus.
The Estrel Berlin buys the appropriate gift for the each paid card. The childrens’ desires are quite modest: their wishes range from toys to school bags to music CDs. The most unusual request is certainly from an 18-year-old: He wants a frying pan for his first very own home.
"The Christmas wishes”, say Ute Jacobs and Thomas Brückner, Executive Directors of the Estrel Berlin, “will be fulfilled until 13th December”. The gifts will then be handed over on 14th December as part of a Christmas celebration at the Estrel where Ute Jacobs and Thomas Brückner will personally hand out the presents to the children and young people.
