The hotel company, which has its Asian headquarters in Bangkok, took part in a four-day trip to visit and donate valuable goods and equipment to schools and communities in northeast Thailand.
From December 8-11, the Best Western volunteers made the long journey from Bangkok to Nong Bua Lamphu Province, where they met with children and teachers at the Nong Kangka School in Sri Bun Ruang District. Once there, the work really started! The volunteers spent the day renovating the school's classroom, arranging the books in the library and handing out much-needed supplies of school materials and sports equipment. In addition, the group visited local communities to inspect local rice-growing areas and offer support.
The following day, the Best Western team met a group of students under World Vision sponsorship at the Baan San Pa Pluang School, and held a ceremony to mark the opening of the school's new restroom building, before once again visiting local agricultural communities.
In total the Best Western volunteers spent four days in the road, visiting several different areas, learning about the lives of those living in disadvantaged communities, and donating supplies. They also met with hundreds of schoolchildren, putting plenty of smiles on young faces.
"As the world's largest hotel company, with a major presence in Thailand, it is essential that we understand our local communities and work alongside each other, arm in arm," said Glenn de Souza, Best Western's Vice President International Operations — Asia & the Middle East.
"Only by going out into the field, discovering the real issues faced by communities, can we hope to understand these challenges and work to find solutions. By partnering with World Vision, which does incredible work in Thailand, we hope we can make a small difference to people's lives and be a force for good in the future," Mr. de Souza added.
The Best Western & World Vision trip to Sri Bun Ruang forms part of a company-wide CSR effort that encompassing a range of charitable causes across the world.