MARRIOTT BUSINESS COUNCIL INDONESIA DONATES OVER 5,200 SHOES TO SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE

The Marriott Business Council Indonesia has effectively launched the “Shoes to School” initiative throughout Indonesia, uniting more than 70 hotels and resorts from Marriott International to provide shoes for underprivileged children. Initially started in Jakarta in 2006, this annual charitable event has now broadened its reach to include Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and various other regions across Indonesia. This joint endeavor has led to the donation of over 5,200 pairs of shoes to schools and communities in Jakarta, Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo, with an additional 2,000 pairs anticipated to be distributed by the conclusion of the initiative across the remaining areas of Indonesia.

Under the guidance of Serve 360, which reflects Marriott International’s dedication to fostering a positive and sustainable influence in all its business endeavors, the Marriott Business Council Indonesia has actively championed significant initiatives that benefit local communities. The “Shoes to School” program not only fulfills a fundamental need but also contributes to the future of children. The funding for this initiative is sourced from donations made by Marriott International associates at various hotels throughout Indonesia, along with contributions from associates’ annual leave, which have been transformed into funds equivalent to the cost of shoes.

Martin Ehlers, Chairman of Marriott Business Council Indonesia, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the launch of the ‘Shoes to School’ initiative. He stated, “This program exemplifies Marriott International’s dedication to acting as a catalyst for positive change and enhancing the communities we support. It highlights our united efforts to effect genuine transformation and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to promoting social good.”

Shoes to School in Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo

In Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo, 26 hotels participated in the program, successfully raising IDR 472,000,000. This enabled the donation of more than 3,000 pairs of shoes to two school partners and 82 orphanages in Bali. The Department of Social Services for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection of Bali Province assisted in the distribution of these shoes. The handover ceremony took place on August 14, 2024, at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, and was attended by local officials, media representatives, and beneficiaries.

Shoes to School in Jakarta

Led by Marriott Business Council Jakarta, 2,335 pairs of shoes have been distributed since July 2024 to schools and communities in Bogor, Depok, and West Java through five Emmanuel Foundation programs: EduNation Outreach, IDEA for individuals with special needs, the Mobile Library Programme, the Food Rescue Programme, and DPR: Disaster Relief and Recovery Program. This was made possible by the IDR 221,825,000 raised through the collaborative efforts of associates across 15 of Marriott International’s hotels and offices in Jakarta. A symbolic handover event was held at Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport on August 19, 2024, attended by General Managers of hotels in Jakarta, the Emmanuel Foundation team, representatives from the Bantar Gebang Foundation and other involved foundations, as well as media representatives.

Shoes to School in the Rest of Indonesia

Coordinated by Marriott Business Council Rest of Indonesia, the “Shoes to School” project also includes 25 hotels in Medan, Bintan, Belitung, Lampung, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, Manado, and Makassar. The project aims to donate 2,200 pairs of shoes to local students in partnership with community organizations and charity foundations. Fundraising from Marriott International associates will continue until September 30, 2024, with the official handover of shoes to beneficiaries scheduled in October 2024.

To discover more about Marriott International’s commitment to sustainability, please visit www.serve360.marriott.com.