Monday, August 26, 2024 Intrepid Travel recently announced the return of its annual Blue Dragon Marathon Walk, scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This fundraising event is dedicated to supporting the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, an organization in Vietnam that has been a long-term partner of the Intrepid Foundation. The event provides participants with an opportunity not only to contribute to a significant cause but also to potentially win a free trip valued at $2,350.
The Mission Behind the Marathon Walk The Blue Dragon Marathon Walk is more than just a physical challenge; it serves as the flagship fundraising event for the Intrepid Foundation. This year, the event will be hosted in major cities across the globe, including Toronto, London, Hanoi, Singapore, and Melbourne. Participants can choose to walk individually or as part of a team, with the added incentive of entering a draw to win an Intrepid trip for every $235 raised.
The funds raised are crucial in supporting the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, which provides rescue care, shelter, legal advocacy, and long-term support to victims of human trafficking in Vietnam. According to Darrell Wade, the chair of Intrepid Travel, raising just $168 is enough to keep a child at risk in school for an entire year, while $235 can reunite a trafficked victim with their family and provide emergency support. These figures highlight the substantial impact that even modest fundraising efforts can have on the lives of vulnerable children and families in need.
Vietnam’s Growing Importance in Travel In 2023, Vietnam emerged as Intrepid’s top-selling market, attracting 9,900 customers. This statistic underscores the increasing popularity of Vietnam as a travel destination, driven by its rich cultural heritage and welcoming communities. Biheng Zhang, the general manager of the Intrepid Foundation, emphasized the deep connection between Intrepid Travel and the Vietnamese communities they serve.
Zhang noted that participating in or sponsoring the marathon walk offers the travel industry and individual travelers a meaningful way to give back to these communities that have shown such generous hospitality. Participation Options and Fundraising Goals The Blue Dragon Marathon Walk offers various participation options to cater to different levels of fitness and commitment. Participants can choose from a meander (3km), micro (5km), mini (10km), half (21km), or full (42km) marathon.
Intrepid Travel has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $337,000 for this year’s event, with 100% of the donations going directly to the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. The different participation options make the event accessible to a wide range of people, from casual walkers to serious marathon enthusiasts, further broadening its appeal and potential impact. Global Effects on Travelers and the Travel Industry The global reach of this marathon walk highlights the travel industry’s growing focus on responsible tourism and giving back to the communities that host travelers.
For participants and sponsors alike, the event represents a unique opportunity to engage in a philanthropic effort that has tangible benefits for the lives of at-risk children in Vietnam. The event also reinforces the idea that travel is not just about exploration but also about making a positive difference in the world. The Blue Dragon Marathon Walk is likely to inspire similar initiatives within the travel industry, encouraging other companies and travelers to incorporate social responsibility into their travel experiences.
As awareness of the event spreads, it could lead to increased participation in future years, further enhancing the impact of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and other similar organizations. Long-Term Impact on the Travel Industry Events like the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk have the potential to reshape the way travelers view their journeys. By linking travel experiences with charitable causes, the industry can foster a more conscious and empathetic traveler base.
This shift towards responsible tourism can drive long-term changes in how travel companies operate, leading to more sustainable and socially impactful travel experiences. Moreover, the success of this event could encourage other travel companies to host similar fundraisers, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities worldwide. As more travelers become aware of the positive impact they can have, the demand for such experiences is likely to grow, ultimately benefiting both the travel industry and the communities it serves.
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