YAANA challenge supports charities

HANOI, 17 December 2019: The YAANA Corporate Challenge  2019 bicycle ride in northern Vietnam has raised USD25000 for two charities in the country.

Both the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and Operation Smile – Vietnam received a cheque for USD12500 in Hanoi in the first half of December. The funds were raised by 20 bike riders from 15 corporate sponsors who participated in the 120km two-day YAANA Corporate Challenge 19 to 20 October.

YCC 2019 participants raised the money through registration fees, live auctions and personal fundraising efforts. Two very different charities, both helping disadvantaged Vietnamese children, are the beneficiaries.

The Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation helps street kids and young people with disabilities and fights against human trafficking in Vietnam.

Operation Smile carries out life-changing cosmetic operations for mainly young people with ailments such as cleft lip. The operations make breathing and eating easier and reduce social stigma as it gives the child a ‘normal’ appearance which builds social confidence.

“A two-day cycling challenge has raised funds to help alleviate long-term hardship for young people in need,” said YAANA Ventures chief financial officer Mark Remijan. “All saddle-sore YCC fundraisers can be proud of a job well done.”

Corporate sponsors supporting YCC 2019 included YAANA Ventures, Naruna Retreats, BSM Group, Chow Energy, Antipodeans, GROUND Asia, Zone Golf, Green Trails, Khiri Travel, HMP Master, bike tour organizer Indotrek, the Legacy Yen Tu-MGallery Hotel, and ScottAsia Communications.

During YCC 2019 leaders of non-tourism businesses such as BSM Group (workplace ceilings and partitions) and Chow Energy (renewable and alternative power) exchanged ideas and insights with leading hospitality sector operators and student educational travel specialists, Antipodeans, during evening networking.

Two years ago, money raised by YCC 2017 funded 33 life-changing cosmetic operations through Operation Smile Thailand.

To donate or find out more about future YAANA Challenges email [email protected].