Marriott’s Shoes to School Donates to Students in Bali and Lombok

A simple pair of school shoes can make a meaningful difference to a child’s confidence and ability to attend class. Recognising this, Marriott Business Council Bali has once again brought together associates from hotels across Bali and Lombok for the third edition of Shoes to School, an initiative that supports students by providing one of the most basic yet essential items for their education. This year’s programme resulted in the donation of 2,898 pairs of shoes, which will be distributed to children and communities in need across the two islands.

The initiative concluded with a donation handover ceremony on 5 October 2026 at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, reaffirming Marriott International’s commitment to community development through its Serve360: Doing Good in Every Direction platform. Falling under the Nurture and Empower pillar, the programme focuses on supporting the wellbeing, education, and future opportunities of children and young people by helping remove barriers that may affect their learning journey.

This year, associates from 30 Marriott hotels across Bali and Lombok worked together to collect the donations, which will reach 79 foundations across nine regencies in Bali and three schools in Lombok. Working alongside trusted community partners, the programme ensures the shoes are delivered directly to children and families who will benefit most, providing practical support that allows students to attend school with greater comfort and confidence.

Representatives from the Department of Social Services for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection of Bali Province and LKSA Bukit Kehidupan Ungasan joined the handover ceremony, highlighting the collaboration between the hospitality industry, local authorities, and community organisations. Their involvement reinforces the programme’s wider objective of creating sustainable partnerships that extend beyond individual donations.

Now in its third year, Shoes to School has evolved from a single community initiative into an annual movement supported by Marriott associates across the region. Marriott Business Council Indonesia Chairman Hector Busto described the programme as an example of how the company’s Serve360 commitment is translated into meaningful action, while Marriott Business Council Bali Chairman I Wayan Raksa noted that the continued growth of the initiative reflects the generosity and shared purpose of participating hotel teams. Serve360 Pillar Leader Dewik Idayani also emphasised that beyond the 2,898 pairs of shoes donated, the programme demonstrates the impact that collective action can have on local communities.

The beneficiaries echo that sentiment. Boy Rio Sitinjak, Secretary of LKSA Bukit Kehidupan Ungasan, shared that the initiative has made a tangible difference to the children under the foundation’s care, describing the third edition as a celebration not only of generosity but also of long-term commitment and continuity.

As part of Marriott International’s broader commitment to responsible hospitality, Shoes to School continues to demonstrate how the industry’s impact extends beyond hotel walls. By investing in education through practical community support, Marriott Business Council Bali and its participating hotels hope to continue expanding the programme in the years ahead, helping more children take confident steps towards their future – one pair of shoes at a time.

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