IHG raises 1.4 million baht via run to fund AI glasses for the visually impaired
IHG Hotels & Resorts organised its annual charity run, raising 1.4 million baht to support the development of AI glasses for the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand.
Global hotel group IHG Hotels & Resorts achieved great success in organising its 4th annual charity running event, IHG Run for Good, which was held simultaneously across multiple locations in Thailand last September. The running event attracted over 3,000 participants and raised 1.4 million baht in donations. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the Queen to support future projects developing assistive devices for the visually impaired.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event name | 4th IHG Run for Good |
| Organiser | IHG Hotels & Resorts |
| Event locations | Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui |
| Funds raised | 1.4 million baht |
Advancing AI technology for quality of life
The primary purpose of the fundraising in this event is to support the EyerisVision: EmpowerSight project, which involves the development of innovative smart glasses by Thai talent. The device will work in conjunction with an AI application that supports Thai language commands. The device comes equipped with a camera, a microphone and a touch control system. These technologies will help the visually impaired to accurately read text and perceive their surrounding environment, resulting in their daily lives becoming safer and more independent than before.
Synergising partners and local communities
The running competition formats were divided into distances of 2 kilometres, 4 kilometres for the Fun Run group, and 9 kilometres, to accommodate runners of all ability levels. The event received excellent cooperation from employees, hotel guests and the general public. The activity is part of the global campaign named Giving for Good Month, which aims to encourage personnel to participate in community development. Furthermore, it aligns with the organisation's Journey to Tomorrow strategic plan. The event in Thailand also received support from partner brands such as Spirit Fitness, as well as MarketBoomer and Segafredo, who joined in creating a positive and sustainable impact for Thai society.
This press release is of interest to professionals in the hotel industry who wish to study the CSR practices of a global brand, as well as event organisers, runners and the general public who are interested in social contribution activities and new innovations for people with disabilities.