$250,000 for good: The Calile Hotel’s 2025 community contribution
A $5-per-night initiative, generous guests and a year-long commitment have helped The Calile Hotel raise more than $250,000 for local charities making a real difference across Queensland.
The Calile Hotel has reinforced its long-standing commitment to community impact, raising more than $250,000 for local charities through its 2025 Stay & Donate initiative.
Designed to generate both awareness and meaningful financial support for organisations creating social and cultural change, the program sees $5 from every guest night donated directly to local charities, every day of the year. Combined with additional guest contributions, the initiative has delivered its strongest year to date.
In 2025, funds were distributed to a diverse group of beneficiaries working across human welfare, education, and arts and cultural sectors, including 3rd Space, Micah Projects, Yalari, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Reverse Garbage Queensland, the Institute of Modern Art (IMA), and the Australasian Dance Collective (ADC).
Calile Hotel co-owner Catherine Malouf said the initiative reflects the hotel’s broader philosophy around community connection and responsibility.
“The Calile is committed to caring for and connecting with our community, so it is essential that we support the organisations that are making a profound and lasting impact,” Ms Malouf said.
“This year we were fortunate to work with eight organisations who share our vision and represent the best of our community.”
Beyond the Stay & Donate program, The Calile also hosted a dedicated fundraiser in support of the Queensland Youth Orchestra, raising more than $10,000 to assist with touring costs.
“It is incredibly rewarding to realise the direct impact of this continued commitment and the effect that hotel and guest contributions have had in creating positive change in our community,” Ms Malouf added.
Tangible impact across the community
Among the beneficiaries, 3rd Space, a Brisbane-based drop-in centre supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, used funds to support its café operations, helping deliver more than 43,000 meals in the last financial year.
Micah Projects, which provides services for people facing homelessness, domestic and family violence, and social isolation, reported that The Calile’s contribution supported engagement with more than 30,000 people across its programs, including over 78,000 nights of crisis accommodation.
In the arts and culture space, The Calile’s support helped the Australian Chamber Orchestra mark its 50th anniversary year, while the Institute of Modern Art continued to provide free access to contemporary exhibitions and support emerging artists. Reverse Garbage Queensland directed funds toward education programs promoting circular economy principles, and the Australasian Dance Collective used contributions to develop and tour new works, including its major 2025 production Bad Nature.
Education charity Yalari will use the donated funds to support its mission of providing secondary school scholarships to Indigenous students from regional and remote communities, with plans to welcome 70 new students in 2026.
The Calile Hotel has confirmed the Stay & Donate initiative will continue in 2026, thanking guests for their ongoing support and participation in the program.
