Ten hotels across various locations in Malaysia collaborated to organize an inaugural “Charity Run” simultaneously. The joint effort was part of the hotel group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to contribute back to the society while strengthening the bond among its participating associates and connecting with the local community.
In Kuala Lumpur, five hotels (Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Four Points by Sheraton Puchong, Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur and The Westin Kuala Lumpur) pulled their resources together to organize the “Run for a Better World” charity event, in aid of the Shelter Home For Children™. Proudly presenting the “Superhero” themed Run, each hotel’s associates were encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero during the Run to symbolize hope and bring smile to the faces of these children. The Run took place at Taman Jaya Park, Petaling Jaya from 7.00am to 10.30am. The appointed charity home has a total number of 46 children (age between 4 to 18 years old) under the kind care of Mr Cheok Hoong Poh, the General Manager of the organization with the help of volunteers.
The Run saw the participation of approximately 200 people, made up of associates of the participating hotels plus their families and friends. In addition, associates of the Valiram group -one of the most prestigious specialist luxury and lifestyle brand retailers in Southeast Asia – also signed up to support the event.
“The Valiram Group is happy to be able to contribute back to the community and we hope that this worthy cause provides a platform to support, nurture and impact our future generations”, said Sharan Valiram, Executive Director of Valiram Group.
“The commitment of our associates in raising funds means a lot to us because every donation will make a difference to the kids from Shelter Home for Children™. We do not only hope to give back to the community but are also looking at the most fun and positive ways to foster a stronger relationship among all hotel’s associate, together with their friends and families”, said Chuck Abbott, Regional Vice President – South East Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Inc
The children from the shelter home were overjoyed when they saw a group of their favourite superheroes -Superman, Superwoman and Spiderman make a special appearance to join them for the Run. A total of RM8, 900 was successfully raised, which will be channeled to the upkeep and operations of the charity home.
Meanwhile up north, the “Run for Good” event took place through a collaboration of three hotels within the group – The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort and Four Points by Sheraton Penang. The event took place at Lagenda Park in Kuah Town from 7.00am to 2.00pm. Approximately 150 participants across all ages including the local community and ambassadors from the properties gathered at the playground.
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To add to the excitement and joy, a bazaar with a host of fun filled activities was held on that day.The combined efforts productively raised a total of RM11, 810 which will be channeled to thehotel group’s Associate Relief Fund, a charitable corporation, established to financially supportthe emergency housing needs of associates who have incurred significant loss as a result of natural disasters or a large scale act of displacement by providing need-based financial grants.
On the east side of Malaysia, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan and Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu also conducted a 5km “Run for Good” charity event along the famous SandakanHeritage Trail. The event kicked off as early as 6.30am at the Piazza area of Sandakan Harbour with a total participation of 510 runners including associates and members of the public.The event was made possible through sponsorship by some key brands such as MILO and Life Water industries that provided drinking water and isotonic drinks to all the participants. Among the activities which were held was a lucky draw session courtesy of MILO, which saw 40 goodie bags given away to the lucky winners.
The event was a resounding success as the hotels managed to raise a total of RM27, 000 through the Run, donations and sales from various activity booths on that day. The proceeds will be donated to the Sandakan Kidney Society (RM19.000) and National Kidney Foundation Kota Kinabalu (RM8, 000) accordingly.Other than the Run, representatives from the Sandakan Hospital also set up a blood donation counter which successfully gathered 17 pints of blood, equivalent to 7650cc and signed up 23 people as organ donors.
With the support from associates of each hotel, these 3 charitable events proved to be a great opportunity to foster a closer relationship among the associates and their family members while making a positive contribution back to the community.