Northstar

www.travelweeklyweb.com www.travelweeklyweb.com 14 | ■ TRAVELWeekly AsiA | JULY 2014 csr The school is the first of three 'Project Hope' schools in Southwest China supported in a joint initiative between Marriott International and the Yao Foundation. Simon Cooper, President and Managing Director of Marriott International Asia together with Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming read book to the kids of Lu Zhou Marriott-Yao Foundation Hope Primary School in its newly built library. Marriott International and Yao Foundation visit Lu Zhou Marriott – Yao Foundation Hope Primary School in Luzhou City SICHUAN – A delegation of Marriott International senior executives and associates joined Yao Ming, founder of Yao Foundation, in visiting the Lu Zhou Marriott – Yao Foundation Hope Primary School in Luzhou City, Sichuan. The school is the first of three 'Project Hope' schools in Southwest China supported in a joint initiative between Marriott International and the Yao Foundation. The delegation also brought books to build a library for the school. Marriott International is donating RMB5 million (approximately USD800,000) to the Yao Foundation under the three-year charitable partnership to establish three Hope Primary schools in the Southwestern region of China, which also includes supporting the Yao Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball Seasons in 2014 and 2015. Funding by Marriott International for Lu Zhou Marriott – Yao Foundation Hope Primary School will be used to rebuild a new earthquake-resistant 5-story building of 14 classrooms, meeting hall, multi-media room, laboratory and computer room. Campus reconstruction is scheduled for completion in September, in time to welcome 678 students and 100 kindergarten youngsters for the new school year. The Yao Foundation was established in 2008 by Yao Ming, one of China's most famous athletes, under the auspices of The China Youth Development Foundation to promote the all-round development of Chinese youth – providing them opportunities to improve their education, sports skills, health and self-esteem. SINGAPORE – The first Heritage Race, which took place last Thursday has raised over $10,000 for charity. The race was organised by travel editor Yeoh Siew Hoon and the Ramada and Days Hotels Singapore at Zhongshan Park. Travel companies Abacus International, Trust International and Infor provided cash prizes for the top 3 winning teams of $1,800, Heritage Race raises more than $10,000 for charity Proceeds will go towards the Lee Ah Moi Old Age Home, a nursing care facility for the underprivileged and elderly. $1,000 and $500 respectively. Other companies within the travel industry which sent teams to participate in the race include Booking. com, Skyscanner, TripAdvisor and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Proceeds from the charity run will go towards the Lee Ah Moi Old Age Home, a nursing care facility for the underprivileged and elderly. KOTA KINABALU – Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu will organise this year's UNICEF Check Out for Children Challenge, which takes place from 7 to 9 September 2014. The Mt Kinabalu Climb Adventure aims to bring together up to 100 climbers from around the world for a thrilling 3 days/2 nights climb to the summit of one of the highest mountains in South East Asia. Rising to over 4,000m in height, Mount Kinabalu is located approximately 80km East of the Kota Kinabalu city centre and each year attracts over 20,000 climbers of all abilities. With this event, climbers will get the opportunity to both experience this once in a lifetime activity and do good for less privileged children as well. The Mt Kinabalu Climb Adventure package offers potential climbers pre & post climb stays at the 5-star Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, a delightful appreciation dinner banquet and more. Le Méridien to help raise funds for UNICEF Priced at USD917 nett (MYR2,980 nett) per person, the Climb Adventure package includes a pre-climb stay at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu followed by round trip transfers between the hotel and Kinabalu Park, along with entrance fees, a mountain guide, climber's permit, insurance and all meals as specified in the climb itinerary. Climbers will also receive a Welcome Pack and certificate on completion of the climb. Furthermore, one-night's accommodation is provided at Kinabalu Park with lunch and dinner and an additional night during the climb at a mountain resthouse with breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Climbers will receive breakfast and high tea at Kinabalu Park on the final day before returning to Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu for a post- climb stay and appreciation dinner. Proceeds from this initiative will help to support UNICEF's education projects and a local charity.

• Cover