Global adventure travel company matching all donations made through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support Red Cross work.

Intrepid Travel has today launched a Myanmar Emergency Appeal through their foundation to support the work of Red Cross, who are helping hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge from violence in the Rakhine State.

More than half a million people have crossed the border from Myanmar into Bangladesh to seek refuge after violence broke out in Rakhine State in late August. Temporary settlements and camps in Bangladesh are overflowing and it's estimated the humanitarian situation in the region is likely to get worse. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is currently on the ground providing aid to people caught up in the violence on both sides of the border.

Intrepid Travel is encouraging travellers to donate to Red Cross relief efforts by matching all donations made through its not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation dollar-for-dollar,  up to a total of AUD $20,000 (potentially a donation of AUD $40,000).   

“There is no doubt that there is a humanitarian crisis taking place and that there is an urgent need to help,” says James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel and Chair of The Intrepid Foundation. 

“While we don't travel in the Rakhine State, it is our responsibility to provide support for communities in the countries we operate in. We don't take sides nor support discrimination of any kind, but we are concerned about violence wherever it takes place, and the effect that this has on all people.”

Donations made through Intrepid's Myanmar Emergency Appeal will go towards assisting Red Cross to provide humanitarian support to those affected by violence in Rakhine State, including those who have sought safety in neighbouring countries.

This includes providing first aid and medical care, emergency shelter, food and safe drinking water, as well as reconnecting families who have become separated and establishing safe spaces for women and children who may be at risk of abuse and exploitation.

To donate to The Intrepid Foundation's Myanmar Emergency Appeal, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/rakhine/

ENDS

For more information please contact Kate Parker, Australia & New Zealand PR Manager on Kate.Parker@intrepidtravel.com or +61 (0)481 009 149.

About Red Cross

Australian Red Cross is a national charitable organization which provides relief in times of crisis, from responding to disasters to helping people overcome hardship and isolation in their everyday lives.  Part of a worldwide humanitarian movement, Red Cross works to improve the lives of vulnerable people and communities in Australia and further afield.

About Intrepid Travel Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company that has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 28 years. The company offers more than 1,000 trips in more than 100 countries and on every continent. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. A world leader in responsible travel, Intrepid's award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and included activities mean they offer travellers great value for money. www.intrepidtravel.com

About The Intrepid Foundation

Empowering travellers to positively impact communities, the Intrepid Foundation was founded in 2002 and has raised more than $5.6 million in support of more than 100 non-profit organisations. The Foundation has funded health care, education, gender equality, human rights, child welfare, sustainable development, environmental conservation and wildlife protection initiatives. All administration costs are covered by Intrepid Travel and donations are matched dollar for dollar*, up to a maximum of AUD $1,000 total per donor and to a total of AUD$400,000 in each financial year. For more information, visit:

www.theintrepidfoundations.org