Courtyard by Marriott Colombo’s coffee event raises over Rs. 250,000 for hearing charity

By Tania de Silva

What do coffee and charity have in common? At the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, quite a lot, it seems. Recently this bustling hotel, in collaboration with some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent corporate players, hosted an event that was equal parts caffeine and compassion. But don’t be fooled —this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill coffee morning. “A Cup of Kindness” was a day-long extravaganza designed to raise both awareness and funds for the Ratmalana Audiology Centre (RAC), a local institution dedicated to transforming the lives of those with hearing and speech impairments.

The power of a cup

Here’s where it gets interesting: the event wasn’t just about sipping a decent cup of coffee (though the brews on offer were top-notch, thanks to Lavazza and the Colombo Coffee Company). It was about making a tangible impact. Every cup of coffee sold contributed directly to the RAC’s vital services, which include everything from hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings to speech therapy and special education. By the end of the day, the numbers were in: a whopping 436 cups of coffee had been sold, raising an impressive Rs. 259,542.08 for the charity.

The event was a roaring success, drawing a crowd eager to combine their love of coffee with a desire to support a worthy cause. But what made it truly unique was the sense of purpose that infused the air —literally with the rich aroma of Lavazza coffee and metaphorically with the spirit of giving. 

A lifeline for the marginalised

To understand why this event mattered so much, it’s crucial to know a bit about the Ratmalana Audiology Centre. Established by the Dialog Foundation, RAC has been a lifeline for Sri Lankans struggling with hearing, speech, and language difficulties. Since its inception, the centre has served over 100,000 clients, providing services that are often out of reach for those in lower-income brackets. This includes everything from free hearing tests to second-hand hearing aids, often the difference between isolation and inclusion for those affected.

The statistics are staggering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.5 billion people globally live with hearing loss, and over 430 million of them require rehabilitation services. In Sri Lanka, these numbers translate to roughly 2.1 million people suffering from some form of hearing impairment. This is where RAC’s work becomes indispensable. Their commitment to integrating these services into Sri Lanka’s mainstream healthcare system is not just admirable — it’s essential.

More than just coffee

The event at Tito’s Café wasn’t just about raising funds; it was also about raising awareness. Live entertainment added a festive vibe, and multiple coffee counters kept the crowd buzzing (literally) with excitement. Photo opportunities abounded, encouraging attendees to share their experiences on social media, further spreading the word about the RAC’s crucial work.

And while the event was undeniably fun, the underlying message was serious: hearing impairment is a significant, often overlooked issue in Sri Lanka, and it’s high time it received the attention it deserves. The collaboration between Courtyard by Marriott, Dialog Axiata PLC, Lavazza, and RAC is a powerful example of how corporate responsibility can intersect with social impact to create something truly meaningful.

A united effort for a better tomorrow

It’s worth noting that this event is part of Marriott International’s broader Serve360 initiative, which aims to “do good in every direction.” In this case, that meant using their platform to bring attention to a marginalised community and providing tangible support. Courtyard by Marriott Manager of Marketing Communications Christina De Silva, put it best: “Kindness is a simple act, but its ripple effect can be profound. By coming together to support the Ratmalana Audiology Centre, we’re not just helping individuals, we’re fostering a culture of empathy and inclusion.”

Indeed, this isn’t just corporate PR speak, it’s the real deal. The impact of the funds raised at this event will be felt by those who need it most: individuals who, thanks to the RAC, will receive the care and support they need to live fuller, more connected lives. As the Ratmalana Audiology Centre Head of Research Bandini Jayasena proudly reported: “We sold 436 cups of kindness on Friday. The donations raised for the charity is Rs. 259,542.08.” This significant sum will go a long way in supporting the centre’s ongoing operations, ensuring they can continue to offer their services to those who need them most.

The bigger picture

In a world where corporate events often feel like little more than marketing exercises, “A Cup of Kindness” stands out. It’s a reminder that businesses can and should play a role in addressing social issues. And it’s a model that others would do well to follow. 

The success of this event is also a testament to the power of community. From the coffee lovers who came out to support the cause to the corporate giants who made it all possible, “A Cup of Kindness” was a collective effort that proved that even the smallest acts — like buying a cup of coffee — can add up to make a big difference.