There are charity walks and the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk, where every stride means more than calories burned. This weekend, Australia’s largest independently owned travel-buying network, CT Partners, is tying its shoelaces to support an urgent cause: ending human trafficking.
In collaboration with Intrepid Travel and The Intrepid Foundation, CT Partners will join thousands worldwide in the 2025 Blue Dragon Marathon Walk, raising critical funds for Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a grassroots organisation working in Vietnam to rescue children from exploitation and prevent trafficking across Southeast Asia.
Blue Dragon Walk
A growing global movement
In its seventh year, the Blue Dragon Walk has grown from a local fundraiser to a global solidarity march. From full marathons to gentle weekend strolls, participants across continents will take part on 14 September 2025, walking in unison against one of the darkest crimes of our era. Whether in organised city events or a solo jaunt around the block, everyone’s steps count.
Matt Masson, CEO of CT Partners, did not mince words about the gravity of the cause:
“More than 50 million people in our world live in slavery today. The work of Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation is life-changing, and we’re proud to play a part in raising awareness and funds for this important cause. Every kilometre walked represents a step toward freedom and a safer future for vulnerable children and families.”
For Masson, it’s not just about walking — it’s about mobilising an entire industry.
“At CT Partners, we believe in the strength of collective action, and we’re inviting our members, partners and friends across the sector to walk with us and stand up against human trafficking. I encourage everyone to consider taking part, making a donation or just simply helping spread the word.”
The lived experience behind the mission
CT Partners CEO Matt Masson
If the statistics seem overwhelming, Vi Do, Co-CEO of Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, brings the issue home with piercing honesty:
“Because I used to be a street kid, I know how it feels to be a scared child all alone. All I wanted was for someone to care for me. That’s why joining thousands of people walking to support children and families living in crisis like I was means so much to me.”
For Vi Do, the event is a beacon of hope.
“The Blue Dragon Walk is for everyone. People can take part from wherever they are, and it’s a wonderful way to create a meaningful, lasting impact for Vietnamese children and families.”
The travel sector’s moral compass
Intrepid Travel has long been outspoken about the responsibility of tourism to drive positive change in a sector often measured by passenger numbers and hotel bookings. Biheng Zhang, General Manager at The Intrepid Foundation, emphasised this point:
“At The Intrepid Foundation, we believe travel has the power to create positive change. The Blue Dragon Marathon Walk is a powerful example of our industry uniting to protect children and families from exploitation and trafficking. We thank CT Partners and all of the other teams who have already signed up and donated to the event for this year.”
For Zhang, the practical impact is undeniable.
Biheng Zhang, General Manager at the Intrepid Foundation
“Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation is on the frontline, rescuing children in crisis and providing long-term care and education. Every step we take together helps fund their critical work and gives vulnerable communities a chance for a safer future.”
Every cent makes a difference.
The fundraising has an added assurance of transparency. Intrepid covers 100% of the administrative costs, meaning every single cent donated goes directly to the children and families who need it most.
Industry peers, travellers, and ordinary Australians can attend the official event site and support the CT Partners team.
Why it matters
The fight against human trafficking is far from over. It’s estimated that over 50 million people worldwide are enslaved today, many of them children. For a few hours’ commitment and a pair of walking shoes, participants in the Blue Dragon Walk are helping dismantle an industry built on misery.
As CT Partners, Intrepid Travel, and thousands of global walkers rally for the 2025 event, the message is clear: the travel industry can and should be part of the solution.
So, if you’re pondering a brisk Sunday walk, why not make it one that helps change someone’s life? In the organisers’ words: every step counts and some steps lead directly to freedom.
By Christine Nguyen
