Social Media Campaign To Support Thai Charities
24 May 2010 at 1:20 pm
Australian adventure tour operator, Intrepid Travel has launched a social media campaign to raise funds for Thai charities adversely impacted by tourists avoiding Thailand because of the unrest in Bangkok.
Intrepid Travel has posted tweets on its Twitter account (@Intrepid_Travel) and has promised to donate $1 to selected charities for every re-tweet. It is also donating $1 for every person who selects that they ‘like’ the campaign message Intrepid has posted on its Facebook Wall.
Intrepid Travel supports two Thai charities, the Friends of the Asian Elephant and the Baan Unrak Children’s Village, through it’s Not for Profit Foundation, The Intrepid Foundation. It visits these charities on its trips in Thailand, allowing travellers to understand the issues and provide support through donations.
Intrepid Travel says it took over 1000 passengers to see both charities last year.
Intrepid Travel matches travellers’ donations dollar for dollar, as well as paying all The Foundation’s administration costs, which it says mean that every dollar donated reaches the chosen charity.
Eliza Anderson, spokesperson for Intrepid Travel says they are concerned that a lack of tourists means that these charities miss out on valuable donations that help them operate on a day-to-day basis.
Anderson says that while they are praying for a peaceful resolution to the current unrest they are asking people to help ensure these charities continue to receive support.
Friends of the Asian Elephant aims to protect and conserve the welfare of elephants in Thailand. It lobbies the Government to stop illegal logging (that uses elephants), as well as providing free medical care through its elephant hospital.
Bann Unrak Children’s Village is an orphanage and community relief centre for destitute women and children. It provides shelter, food, housing, emotional support and educational opportunities to over 140 children.
Intrepid Travel says donations will be capped at $5000 for each charity.
For more information, visit the Intrepid Travel website.
