Anantara Hoi An Resort Partners with Kianh Foundation in Vietnam in Support for “Dollars For Deeds” Program
Anantara Hoi An Resort joined hands the Kianh Foundation – a not-for-profit charity providing full-time, customized, special needs curriculum for children with disabilities in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam.
The partnership is part of Anantara’s global Dollars For Deeds initiative that encourages guests at Anantara properties to support local communities by donating USD1 a night to raise funds for a range of worthy causes, with Anantara matching each guest’s contribution.
There are no services in the area for children with special needs and as a demographic these children receive no mainstream schooling opportunities or specialized health care provision. The Dien Ban community (adjacent to Hoi An City) is an agricultural commune with low levels of education and an extremely impoverished area with an average monthly family income of USD75. Kianh’s founder Jackie Wrafter recognized the need for a bridging institution that could provide the extremely important physical and mental healthcare; coupled with international standard special needs curriculum delivery that these children so desperately need.
The availability of a full-time educational placement for children with disabilities also provides an enormous impact on concerned family finances allowing two partners to garner income and also aid with in-home care. The ripple effect of Kianh’s placement in the community is enormous and only possible with donations and cooperate support.
Pieter van der Hoeven, Area General Manager of Minor Hotels, Vietnam said about the partnership: “There are very limited options for employment available for a person with a disability in Vietnam. The Kianh Foundation is establishing an aquaponic farm in Hoi An where children can continue developing in the Kianh environment after completing their vocational training. By buying their aquaponic produce for Anantara Hoi An restaurants, we are helping to create a fully sustainable project. With the launch of this new partnership, our guests can now support Kianh by choosing to make a donation that will go towards the foundation’s projects in around Hoi An.”
“Kianh Foundation is entering an exciting phase in its work as we look to expand the impact and reach of our programs to benefit more special needs children in the local community,” stated Nick Keegan, director of business development, the Kianh Foundation. “We are therefore delighted to partner with Anantara Hoi An and work together for the benefit of children and families in need.”
About Dollars For Deeds
For over a decade, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has been committed to creating luxury travel experiences that also benefit nature, people and culture. All Anantara properties participate in eco-friendly and community initiatives, thereby enhancing the social and environmental surroundings of each Anantara retreat.
The Dollars For Deeds programme, beginning in Thailand, where Anantara was founded, gives guests the option to donate one dollar per night of their stay with Anantara matching the each guest’s contribution. The funds raised are donated to local charities while in Thailand the proceeds go to three worthwhile foundations: the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) in Chiang Rai, the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation in Phuket and the Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Centre at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok.
By choosing to donate just USD1 per night, Anantara guests not only enjoy a luxurious stay that is rich in discovery, but leave with wonderful memories of their experiences, knowing that they have made a positive difference to the local environment and community.
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Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travelers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.
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