Intrepid Travel is pledging more than £500,000 to support communities around the world in 2024, through its non-profit arm, The Intrepid Foundation.
As part of the pledge, Intrepid is matching public contributions from January 1, 2024, up to £500,000.
It said in a statement: “By ensuring contributions go twice as far, Intrepid aims to empower travellers to give back to the 45 grassroots NGOs [non-governmental organisations] chosen by its local teams in the destinations they visit.”
In 2023, The Intrepid Foundation raised more than £1.4 million for community projects and appeals across the globe – its most successful fundraising year since it was established in 2002.
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Its Morocco Earthquake Appeal meant 108 tonnes of emergency supplies were delivered to 69 villages in 48 municipalities, directly supporting 3,872 families through its local partner, High Atlas Foundation.
Water restoration projects were set up to help communities where safe drinking water supply had been damaged.
Through its local partner, Education for All, the foundation supported 250 affected students with schooling, accommodation, supplies, clothing and free counselling.
Intrepid also raised £172,000 through Blue Dragon marathon events held in several cities including Melbourne, London, Toronto, Osaka and Singapore.
Contributions will support human trafficking victims through the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation in Vietnam.
The Intrepid Foundation also partnered with Eurail to help communities and NGOs across Europe.
During its November promotion, Eurail donated €10 for every Eurail and Interrail Pass sold to The Intrepid Foundation’s seven local NGO partners.
The Journeys That Make a Difference campaign contributed £225,000 to community causes including Cooperativa Coraggio in Italy, Humana Zagreb in Croatia and Refood in Portugal.
Intrepid’s EMEA managing director Zina Bencheikh, who is based in Morocco and was in the country at the time of the earthquake, said: “Here in Morocco, I witnessed our teams rally together to provide comfort in a time of incredible loss.
“The needs of communities like those of the High Atlas Mountains are the reasons why this foundation exists.
“By introducing this new matching initiative, we aim to assure our travellers that any amount they’re able to give will go a long way.”
Biheng Zhang, general manager of The Intrepid Foundation, added: “We consistently hear from travellers who want to do more for the local communities they visit.
“While giving back, our host communities must lead the way. By introducing customers to these local initiatives during their Intrepid trips, we hope to bridge an important gap, and do more for the communities that have become like family through our travels.”
Beyond the £500,000 company donation, The Intrepid Foundation is aiming to raise a further £1million through travellers’ contributions in 2024.
To learn more about The Intrepid Foundation’s efforts, click here.
Main picture: Education for All.