HANDOVER OF CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE ‘ACCOR HEARTBREAK HILL MINI-MARATHON 2024’: DRIVING COMMUNITY CHANGE IN PHUKET

The funds raised from the highly successful Accor Heartbreak Hill Mini-Marathon 2024, held on July 14th at Nai Harn Beach and Promthep Cape, are now making a tangible impact on the Phuket community. This year’s event, organized by Accor hotels in Phuket alongside ALL – Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program, saw over 3,500 participants and raised an impressive THB 2.2 million to support underprivileged children and educational initiatives across Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi.

 

“Together, Accor and its partners continue to lead the way in building stronger, more inclusive communities, ensuring that every step taken during the mini-marathon translates into hope and opportunity for the next generation.”

 

said Brett Wilson, General Manager Pullman Naithon and founder member of the Accor Heartbreak Hill mini-marathon charity fundraiser.

1. REVITALIZING THE RAWAI SUBDISTRICT LEARNING CENTER

On 27th November 2024, a portion of the funds was allocated to renovate the Rawai Subdistrict Learning Center, providing a better learning environment for over 180 students. Held at the Non-Formal Education Center in Rawai, this initiative includes the provision of essential teaching materials and equipment, with an estimated expense of THB 250,000. The Southern Accor Hotels team in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga spearheaded this effort, ensuring that the center can continue its vital role in community education.

2. STUDENT UNIFORMS PROJECT 2024

The next impactful initiative took place on 28th November 2024. Profits from the marathon, amounting to THB 300,000, funded the donation of two sets of school uniforms, shoes, and socks for 170 underprivileged students from 20 schools across Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi. Attended by students, teachers, and representatives from local Accor hotels, the event emphasized the importance of educational equality and community support./>

3. SUPPORT FOR PHUKET PANYANUKUL SCHOOL

On 3rd December 2024, the Phuket Panyanukul School, a specialized institution for students with intellectual disabilities and hearing impairments, received generous support. The contributions helped establish a Thai Traditional Medicine Room, a Hair Cutting Room, and provided lunch for the students. The event also featured engaging activities and gift-giving, organized by Accor’s Southern Thailand team. Approximately THB 100,000 from the marathon’s profits were allocated for this initiative, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and long-term community care.

Empowering Communities, One Step at a Time

This year’s marathon is a testament to the power of unity and generosity, aligning seamlessly with Accor’s values of community engagement and sustainable development. As Ianic Menard, Vice President of Operations for Accor Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, emphasized, “By empowering children with education and resources, we help them succeed and foster stronger, more resilient communities.”

The combined efforts of Accor hotels across Phuket, spanning brands such as Pullman, MGallery, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, ibis, and more, reflect a shared dedication to making a meaningful impact. This handover is not just the conclusion of the marathon but the beginning of positive, lasting change for children and communities in Southern Thailand.

Together, Accor and its partners continue to lead the way in building stronger, more inclusive communities, ensuring that every step taken during the mini-marathon translates into hope and opportunity for the next generation.