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The YAANA Corporate Challenge (YCC) 2019 bicycle ride in northern Vietnam has raised US$25000 for two charities in the country.
Both the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and Operation Smile – Vietnam received a cheque for US$12500 in Hanoi in the first half of December. The funds were raised by 20 bike riders from 15 corporate sponsors who participated in the 120km two-day YAANA Corporate Challenge 19-20 October.

Staff at Operation Smile Vietnam and the Blue Dragon Foundation in Hanoi receive funds and mementoes donated by the hard-pedaling participants of the 2019 YAANA Corporate

YCC 2019 participants raised the money through registration fees, live auctions and personal fundraising efforts. Two very different charities, both helping disadvantaged Vietnamese children, are the beneficiaries.

The Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation helps street kids and young people with disabilities and fights against human trafficking in Vietnam.

Operation Smile carries out life-changing cosmetic operations for mostly young people with ailments such as cleft lip. The operations make breathing and eating easier and reduce social stigma as it gives the child a ‘normal’ appearance which builds social confidence.

“A two-day cycling challenge has raised funds to help alleviate long-term hardship for young people in need,” said YAANA Ventures chief financial officer Mark Remijan. “All saddle-sore YCC fundraisers can be proud of a job well done.”

Corporate sponsors supporting YCC 2019 included YAANA Ventures, Naruna Retreats, BSM Group, Chow Energy, Antipodeans, GROUND Asia, Zone Golf, Green Trails, Khiri Travel, HMP Master, bike tour organizer Indotrek, the Legacy Yen Tu-MGallery Hotel, and ScottAsia Communications.

During YCC 2019 leaders of non-tourism businesses such as BSM Group (workplace ceilings and partitions) and Chow Energy (renewable and alternative power) exchanged ideas and insights with leading hospitality sector operators and student educational travel specialists, Antipodeans, during evening networking.

Two years ago, money raised by YCC 2017 funded 33 life-changing cosmetic operations through Operation Smile Thailand.

Further information on the 2019 YAANA Corporate Challenge including video highlights is available here.