BOOKING.COM DONATES RED AND BLUE 'HALF-AND-HALF HOUSE' TO MANCHESTER SCOUTS 

Booking.com, one of the world's leading digital travel companies, has donated its celebration of Manchester, a bespoke half red, half blue house built for this month's derby day, to Manchester Scouts for use at its Worsley camp.  

The house was constructed ahead of the match to create the perfect stay for football fans and celebrate the city as its two premier teams went head to head. 

Located slap-bang in the middle of Manchester's two iconic football stadiums on First Street, Booking.com built the bespoke 'Half-and-Half House' to champion the city's unique personality and passion for football. The unique house was available to book for one night only for £18.81, a reference to the first Manchester derby in 1881. 

Now the derby has passed, Booking.com has donated the 7x5 metre cabin to ensure its celebration of the city serves and leaves a long-lasting impact within the community.  

Andy Farrell, Greater Manchester West Scouts County Commissioner visited the house last week to accept the donation from Lisa Shaftesley, Head of People at Booking.com's Trip Division. 

The house is now situated at Manchester Scouts' Hollinwood Camp, which provides activities and education for over 6,000 youths in the area, as well as providing an inclusive place where younger generations can build relationships in a safe and controlled environment.  

The house will be adapted for use as the Scouts' booking office while also serving as a 'tuck shop' to keep everyone energised during their activities. 

Booking.com organised the unique stay to mark the opening of its new Manchester Campus and with a view to celebrating a fantastic city and to acknowledge its history and identity. Having had a presence in the city since 2005, Booking.com has a strong affection for Manchester and the people who live there, and chose the Scouts because of their service to the community. 

Celebrating Manchester, the house was designed to recognise Mancunians' passion for football, as well as everything else which personifies the city. While the red or blue debate may never be settled, the 'Half-and-Half House' highlights how the rivalry is something which can be enjoyed by all. The house promotes solidarity under one roof, signifying that as much as healthy rivalry is fun, a city that comes together, thrives together. 

Matthias Schmid, Senior Vice President of Booking.com's Trips Division, said:

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"We've called this city home for some time, and now have the second biggest Booking.com office in the world here. With Manchester making this all possible, we naturally wanted to create a buzz around the city and celebrate the people who live here. 

"Because of this, Manchester Scouts is the perfect recipient of the Half-and-Half House and we're delighted to gift it to them. As a former Scout myself, I fully understand and appreciate the superb work they do in building strong communities, the way they serve our younger generations is second to none and vitally important.  

"We hope it gives the Scouts many happy memories for years to come and that they enjoy a truly unique venue which epitomises the city they call home as much as we did in creating it." 

 

Andy Farrell, Greater Manchester West Scouts County Commissioner said:

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"We're delighted to receive this donation, and such a fantastic house which personifies the great city of Manchester and everything its people are passionate about.  

"Everyone at Manchester Scouts is incredibly excited to see the Half-and-Half House in all its glory, and we'll ensure it is put to good use at our Hollinwood Camp for many years to come. We'd like to thank Booking.com for their donation and will welcome them to visit it at any time."