Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Illuminates Hope with the Enchanted Wonders Christmas Charity Tree Lighting Ceremony
The spirit of giving took centre stage at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur on 20 November 2024 as the annual Embrace the Gift of Life Christmas Charity Tree Lighting Ceremony brought together partners, guests, and the community for an evening of celebration, compassion and hope.
A Season of Giving and Hope
The festive season began with an inspiring gathering in the hotel’s main lobby, marking the continuation of the Embrace the Gift of Life initiative. This project is dedicated to funding life-saving medical treatments for critically ill children.
In his opening remarks, General Manager Mr. Daniel Kaeflein shared his thoughts on the season’s true meaning: “This evening is about more than simply lighting a Christmas tree—it’s about igniting lives. Every ornament on the tree represents hope, love, and a brighter future for children in need. We are deeply grateful for the support of our partners, guests, and donors. Together, we are transforming lives and spreading the joy of Christmas.”
Established in 1985, the Embrace the Gift of Life project has raised over RM5 million to date, funding vital corrective heart surgeries and medical interventions for hundreds of children. In 2023 alone, the initiative supported 15 children, contributing RM526,500 to their life-saving surgeries.
Enchanted Wonders Christmas Charity Tree
This year’s Enchanted Wonders Christmas Charity Tree, a striking 10-tiered masterpiece, stood proudly in the main lobby. Adorned with handcrafted Whimsical Carousel Ornaments, created by Chef Wayne Siow and his dedicated pastry team, the tree symbolized the spirit of hope, with each ornament crafted over 600 hours.
The ceremonial lighting of the tree was officiated by General Manager Mr. Daniel Kaeflein, alongside the 2023 Embrace recipients. Distinguished guests included Dr. Thayaharan A/L Subramaniam, Head of the Emergency Department at Gleneagles Hospital; Dr. Siti Laura Mazalan, Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon at Pantai Hospital; and Sheik Aliur Rahman, Group Chairman of London Tea Exchange and founder of the Global Fair Pay Charter. Their participation in illuminating the tree was a powerful moment of solidarity and hope, reinforcing the collective effort to support the Embrace the Gift of Life initiative.
The event illuminated the tree, each of its spinning tiers showcasing ornaments featuring the names or logos of generous donors, symbolizing compassion and goodwill. Guests and patrons are invited to sponsor ornaments with a minimum donation of RM1,100, with the option to have their names or company logos displayed on the tree. Limited-edition ornaments are also available for RM5,000, offering an opportunity to make a larger contribution to this noble cause.
Honouring Partnerships and Community
The evening brought together committed partners, including representatives from Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, whose continued support has been crucial to the success of the Embrace the Gift of Life programme.
Special recognition was given to the 2023 Embrace recipients and their families, alongside refugee children from the UNHCR community and special needs children from Taman Megah Home (Pusat Penjagaan Kanak Kanak Cacat Taman Megah). They were treated to a festive Christmas High Tea at Lemon Garden, adding warmth, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose to the celebration.
A Tradition of Making a Difference
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s enduring commitment to the community is reflected in its Embrace the Gift of Life project, which has provided critical medical care for nearly four decades. The Enchanted Wonders Christmas Charity Tree will remain on display throughout the festive season, encouraging guests to contribute and bring hope to children in need.
Join the Cause
For more information on donations or to sponsor an ornament, please contact us at +603 2032 2388 or email slkl-pr@shangri-la.com. Alternatively, visit Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s Commitment | Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
