THAILAND. The Edrington Charity Cyclists have completed their fifth major fundraising effort in support of a regional charity in Asia.
Thanks to the support of many Edrington friends, partners and employees – and Edrington’s double matching – the tireless cyclists raised US$600,000 for Baan Dek. The local foundation works with vulnerable children and families from migrant communities to ensure they have access to healthcare, education and live in a safe environment.
As reported, the Edrington Philanthropists in Cycling (EPIC) set out earlier this week, intent on covering 600km to reach the Baan Dek headquarters in Chiang Mai within four days.
And they did just that, arriving at Baan Dek right on time yesterday (21 November) afternoon. EPIC 5 was competed in style, a magnificent example of what can be achieved if you put your mind to a task and your feet to the pedals.
On the final leg, the EPIC team was joined by two Baan Dek staff members. It was a valiant effort and the EPIC riders were both grateful and delighted to welcome them amongst their ranks.
The first 30km of the day’s route took the riders past fish farms and longan plantations to reach the Srivichai Monument, where the cyclists regrouped before making their way to the picturesque Mae Kuang Dam.
As the peloton reached the final seven kilometres, the cyclists were joined by eight riders from Baan Dek, including the foundation’s Co-Founder, Magali du Parc-Crosta.
Arriving at Baan Dek, the EPIC team was welcomed by the rest of the Baan Dek staff. The cyclists were tired but jubilant; full of smiles as they were welcomed with Phuang Malai, the traditional Thai flower garlands which are a symbol of luck and respect.
It was an emotional moment for everyone, the Edrington team said. Du Parc-Crosta welcomed and thanked the riders for their gargantuan effort. She was followed by Edrington Managing Director Asia Pacific Francois Saurel and Managing Director Asia Travel Retail Marcelo Colombo who took great delight in revealing the US$600,000 total.
“Magali and the Baan Dek team were absolutely blown away and over the moon,” the EPIC team reported. “The amount raised was beyond their imagination and they said it would open up numerous new possibilities for Baan Dek to support their beneficiaries and serve underprivileged migrant communities.”
Edrington will split the contribution over three years. The company said the three-year commitment is important because the company feels it needs to be involved on a longer-term basis to make a meaningful difference.
“This means we don’t just write a cheque, but we spread the donation over three years, touching base regularly and finding ways to get involved and support throughout this period,” Edrington said.
As part of The Moodie Davitt Report’s Duty Calls series, which highlights the importance of our industry’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, we’ve been checking in daily with the Edrington team and sharing their progress via words, images, video and social media. Click on the links for reports from Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.
Edrington welcomes support from the travel retail industry and will ‘double match’ any funds contributed by the trade. The Moodie Davitt Report was delighted to get the ball (and the wheels) rolling with a donation of US$1,000.
Further information on the EPIC effort can be found on the Edrington Charity Cyclists website, Facebook page (Edrington Charity Cyclists) and on Instagram (@edringtoncharitycyclists). Donations can be made here.
Last year, the EPIC riders cycled from Nha Trang to Danang and raised US$750,000 for Newborn Vietnam. In 2017, 50 riders from Edrington offices across the world cycled 600km across Cambodia to raise US$500,000 for M’Lop Tapang, a local charity based in Sihanoukville which supports vulnerable children.
In 2016, Edrington’s charity cyclists raced through Taiwan and raised NTD5 million (US$164,000) for the Kaohsiung Autism Foundation, which aids children with special needs. In 2015, 17 cyclists rode 400km from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and raised S$120,000 (US$88,000) for Child at Street 11, a Singapore-based institution helping dysfunctional families break out of the poverty cycle.