Intrepid Travel’s Blue Dragon Marathon Walk has raised more than $350,000 so far towards its $500,000 fundraising goal.
More than 1,400 people and 15 travel companies joined forces to raise money to combat human trafficking.
The funds will support Vietnam’s Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a longstanding partner of The Intrepid Foundation working to end human trafficking and support vulnerable children and families.
Now in its ninth consecutive year, the event has become the Intrepid Foundation’s flagship annual fundraiser, bringing together thousands of walkers across major global cities including Melbourne, London, Copenhagen, Singapore and Bangkok to walk any distance up to a full marathon.
Companies taking part this year included Flight Centre Travel Group, CT Partners, Australian Travel Agents Cooperative, Platinum Travel and APT Touring.
Funds raised support Blue Dragon’s Children’s Foundation to provide rescue care, shelter, legal advocacy and long-term support for people affected by human trafficking, as well as working with local communities on preventative measures.
Earlier this year, Blue Dragon reached a significant milestone, rescuing its 1000th trafficking victim since the organisation was founded in 2004.
“I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to this year’s event by walking, giving or spreading the word,” said Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation.
“While the enormity of the human trafficking issue can feel daunting, the Blue Dragon Walk shows how collective action can create real impact and help build safer, more secure futures for people in Vietnam and beyond.”
To achieve its $500,000 fundraising goal, Intrepid is calling on people around the world to support Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation by making a donation which will help raise vital funds to support recovery efforts for children and their families who’ve been affected by human trafficking.
All money raised will go directly to Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, with Intrepid covering all administrative fees.
For more information on The Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, visit The Intrepid Foundation fundraising page.
# Meanwhile Intrepid has also announced it has certified under B Lab’s new global standards for B Corp Certification, becoming one of the first travel companies to meet the rigorous social and environmental requirements.
Images courtesy Intrepid Travel
