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YAANA organises Operation Smile fundraiser

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BANGKOK, 25 April 2018: The 2nd YAANA Corporate Challenge 2018 that raises funds for charity will take place in Chiang Mai, 21 to 23 September.

The two-day/three-night event has been designed for business people who are interested in environmental best practices.

By day, the participants ride bicycles to see the best of northern Thailand scenery and at the same time through the registration fee raise funds for Operation Smile Thailand.

The charity pays for operations for Thai children to fix debilitating deformities such as cleft lip.

Social activities in  Chiang Mai include a cocktail reception and dinner that features a guest speaker. A closing dinner on Sunday night will take place at an iconic location in Chiang Mai city.

Now in its second year, the cycle ride is the brainchild of responsible tourism investor, YAANA Ventures.

Khiri Travel and cycle trip specialists, Grasshopper Adventures, will handle logistics. YAANA is leading the sign-up and fundraising component.

“It is not a cycle race,” said YAANA Ventures CFO, Mark Remijan. “Far from it. Our priority is corporate networking and fundraising based on sustainability and conservation themes. It’s also about health, enjoying amazing scenery, and raising funds that will enhance young people’s lives.”

Only a moderate amount of fitness is required. The bike ride element will offer two options: 140 km or 100 km over two days. This comes with full support including a ‘sweeper’ van offering drinks and refreshments along the way.

Last year, participating riders in the YAANA Corporate Challenge raised a net USD 25,000 for Operation Smile. They are targeting USD 40,000 this year.

The challenge’s website says the sponsorship packages cover event and programme costs, and with all net proceeds (after costs are deducted) going to Operation Smile, Thailand.

The website indicated funds last year paid for surgery, after care and speech therapy for 33 Thai children born with facial deformities last year.

Companies can sign up teams of one to three riders depending on their sponsorship package: platinum (three riders for THB175,000/USD 5,600), gold (two riders for THB125,000/USD 4,000), or silver (a single rider at THB75,000/USD 2,400).

Packages include bikes with full technical support, accommodation, corporate branding, apparel, meals, souvenirs, publicity for participating brands, and more.

The inaugural YAANA Corporate Challenge bike ride took place in coastal central Vietnam in September 2017.

The YAANA Corporate Challenge is open to business leaders from any sector, says YAANA Ventures CEO Willem Niemeijer

“Participants from any industry can join,” says Niemeijer. “They should be passionate about people and planet as well as profits – and ready to get in the saddle to enjoy great scenery by day, and the exchange of ideas in the evening.”

For further information visit the 2018 YAANA Corporate Challenge website here.

Organisers

YAANA Ventures is an owner, partner and operator of entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia.

Grasshopper Adventures headquartered in Siem Reap, Cambodia has promoted bicycle tours since 2004, handling around 17,000 customers each year.

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