Hi, thanks for taking the time to visit my FirstGiving page.
What am I doing?
Next February, I will be cycling the length of Vietnam in the annual H2H charity bike ride. The route takes in around 2000 km between Vietnam's two biggest cities, traversing the highlands and lowlands, at all times in the sweltering heat.
Why am I doing it?
As a group, we're aiming to raise at least $30,000 for childrens' charities in Vietnam in order to give something back to what, for many of us, has become our adopted home.
Where is the money going?
The Children's Initiative is dedicated to improving the lives of children in Vietnam through strategic, long-term investments in community-based projects and programs.
Your donations will specifically go towards 3 key projects:
Catdang community kindergarten project. The construction of a new kindergarten facility enabling all under-5s in the community to learn in a safe, well-equipped, child-friendly environment. H2H funds will support the construction of a new building by local workers and resources for the school.
Catdang community micro credit project. TCI empowers families with small business loans of $250 combined with training and support. These target parents of the poorest students at the school. The positive impact on households has particular benefits on health and education for the women and children within the families.
Catdang community library project. Completion of the library project that H2H has been funding for 2 years, serving 800 students in the community. This will go towards more books, audio-visual equipment, DVDs, shelving and storage, as well as a librarian stipend. $50 can buy 25 books, 1 months pay for a librarian or a 1-year scholarship for a student.
To find out more about The Children's Initiative, visit the website here.
H2H is entirely run by volunteers and cyclists cover their own expenses for the ride. Expenses for safety, fundraising and financial administration are kept to the essentials so that as much of your donation as possible can go straight to H2H's partner charities.
Follow our progress on the blog.
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Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope you can donate.
Joe