Last week over 180 AccorHotels employees completed a gruelling four day adventure challenge on the Gold Coast that saw them raise over $640,000 for the AccorHotels Community Fund.
AccorHotels’ bi-annual charity event Race to Survive, saw participants put through their paces with tough daily activities designed to push them both physically and mentally. This years’ activities included a 25km trek through the hills of Numinbah Valley, blindfold canoeing, orienteering and an adventure course.
The activities culminated on Friday at Surfers Paradise Beach in conjunction with Surf Life Saving Queensland. Surf Life Saving Queensland, the Surfers Paradise Surf Club and Ironman champion Trevor Hendy put together a series of challenging drills with included a spinal board carry relay, wade relay, an iconic flag race and a final mile dash that marked the end of their four day adventure.
AccorHotels successfully raised over $640,000 through Race to Survive fundraising events which included trivia nights, raffles, bake-offs, boot sales and more. All funds raised have gone towards the AccorHotels Community Fund and its four founding partners: Kokoda Youth Foundation, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Lifeline and AIME Mentoring.
Simon McGrath, chief operating officer of AccorHotels Pacific said that AccorHotels is committed to supporting Australian communities and that this flagship event plays a vital role.
“Race to Survive is our flagship charity event which is held bi-annually and brings together employees from all over Australia and corporate office to compete in a 4-day adventure challenge. This is the second consecutive time we have held Race to Survive on the Gold Coast and it has become our favourite base thanks to the people, the energy and the diverse landscape which allows our employees to really get back to nature and push their boundaries.
“The beauty of hosting Race to Survive on the Gold Coast means we can connect with local businesses and organisations and we are excited to be working with Surf Lifesaving Queensland and thrilled that Ironman champion Trevor Hendy will be helping put our employees through their paces on Surfers Paradise beach on the last day of the race.
“AccorHotels is aiming to raise $850,000 by the end of 2017 through Race to Survive fundraising events and I am incredibly proud of what the teams have been able to achieve to date. The money raised goes directly to our Community Fund and our four founding partners, Kokoda Youth Foundation, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Lifeline and AIME Mentoring. We established this fund in 2016 to help raise awareness of three key focus areas; youth, health and wellbeing, and diversity; and the money raised will go directly to special projects that will deliver considerable impact,” said McGrath.
