Franchise group Explorer Travel is raising thousands of pounds for a wildlife conservation charity set up by one of its franchisees.
So far, the firm – owned by Hays Travel – has received more than £2,500 in donations for the Wild & Free charity which was founded by Geraldine Morrelli (pictured) in 2014.
A fundraising target of £4,000 is being targeted by Explorer Travel.
Explorer Travel franchisee Mandy Blanthorn takes a well-earned break
To encourage donations, 14 Explorer Travel franchisees and two employees at the company have either walked 50 miles, ran 50 miles or cycled 500 miles last month.
Money is going to be split between three Wild & Free projects including Liberia’s only rehabilitation centre; installing beehives in Tanzania’s Arusha National Park; and the Centre for Orangutan Protection in Borneo.
Deborah Gannon, administration assistant manager at Explorer Travel, said: “I am so proud of the gang. Whatever the weather – and no matter what was going on in the travel industry – we were out most days covering as many miles as possible.
“Geraldine’s passion just sells the cause to us. We have even got Explorer Travel’s name on a beehive in Tanzania. Beehives are put up around farmland to protect farmer’s crops from elephants.
“Due to everything that has gone on with Covid, charities have drawn the short straw. Geraldine was missing the donations and she would normally be out and doing what she normally does for Wild & Free. She has been overwhelmed by the support.”
You can make a donation here.