The Intrepid Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of Intrepid Travel is expanding its impact, by supporting the Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC) in the launch of Travel Kind – ATAC’s new fundraising program designed to empower travel agents and their customers to give back.
Travel Kind is powered by the Intrepid Foundation and marks a one-of-a-kind collaboration between an ANZ industry body and the Foundation to increase their collective reach and impact. The Travel Kind initiative will unlock The Intrepid Foundation’s 50+ vetted NGO partners for ATAC’s members to support individually or collectively.
To launch the platform, ATAC has initially selected Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a long-time Intrepid Foundation partner working to rescue and support survivors of trafficking in Vietnam. Since 2018, Intrepid has helped raise over AU$1.5 million, directly impacting more than 51,900 lives.
Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation, said: “We’re continually looking for like-minded partners who share our vision for a more equitable world to create change on a global scale. Travel Kind is a brilliant example of how industry collaboration can drive meaningful giving and connect travellers with causes that matter.”
The launch was announced at the ATAC Annual Conference in Adelaide (4-7 September), attended by more than a hundred travel agents. ATAC has kickstarted the fundraising with a $1000 to Blue Dragon.
Michelle Emerton, General Manager of ATAC said: “With Travel Kind, ATAC is taking a meaningful step forward as a co-operative, showing that when we come together, we can create lasting change. This new charity initiative gives our members and their customers a simple but powerful way to support communities around the world, and we’re proud to be launching it in partnership with The Intrepid Foundation. We’re especially excited to have chosen Blue Dragon as our inaugural charity partner — Vi’s presentation at our recent Future Focus conference touched everyone in the room and reinforced just how vital this work is.”
Vi Do, Co-CEO of Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation said: “It was wonderful to be at the launch of Travel Kind and seeing first-hand travel agencies coming together for a cause greater than themselves. Travel is not only about seeing a place. It’s about connection, compassion, and giving back in a meaningful way. All of us at Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation are immensely grateful to ATAC and its members for leading this effort to support vulnerable children and communities in Vietnam. The donations received through Travel Kind will have a profound impact. They will keep children and families safe from human trafficking and exploitation, and help them thrive.”
The launch coincides with the upcoming Blue Dragon Marathon Walk on September 14, an annual event supported by people around the world including Intrepid co-founder Darrell Wade, who will walk his eighth marathon this year alongside CEO James Thornton in New York City.
All funds go directly to Blue Dragon, with Intrepid covering all admin costs. With every AU$350 that eligible participants raise, they’ll go in the draw to win an Intrepid trip of their choice, valued up to AUD 3,500. Participants can sign up as individuals or as part of a team: https://bluedragonwalk.org/signup
Funds raised will support Blue Dragon to provide rescue care, shelter, legal advocacy and long-term support for people affected by human trafficking while also working with local communities to prevent trafficking. To join the walk or make a donation visit: https://bluedragonwalk.org/
