TORONTO — Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation to support impacted communities following extreme rain and severe flooding in areas across Eastern and Southern Spain.

All funds raised through the appeal, up to Cdn$46,000, will be matched by the Intrepid Foundation and will go directly to Intrepid NGO partner and grassroots organisation Casa Caridad, to provide immediate relief such as food and clothing to those impacted.

The severe weather has caused extensive flooding in parts of the region, leading to power outages, road closures, property damage and fatalities. The regions most affected include the Valencia area and La Mancha, though other parts of southern and eastern Spain have also experienced disruptions.

“When a disaster affects one of our local communities, it impacts all of us,” said Biheng Zhang, GM, The Intrepid Foundation. “Through The Intrepid Foundation, the entire Intrepid ecosystem of travellers and industry can lend support to those who need it the most.”

Valencia is home to Intrepid’s local country office, employing 25 team members. The Intrepid Foundation has been partnering with local community organizations since 2002 and onboarded Casa Caridad as a partner in 2023, one of two local partners in Spain.

As well as providing immediate relief, Casa Caridad is working with the Valencian government and will direct funds to the areas that need it most, as the situation evolves.

Florencia Allo Moreno, GM, Intrepid in Western Europe, is based in Valencia and has been personally affected by the flooding. “The current situation in Spain is devastating and communities are suffering deeply, with many people losing their homes and searching for their loved ones,” she said. “Spain is a beloved destination for many Intrepid travellers and we want to do everything we can to support the relief efforts.”

All Intrepid tours are continuing to operate as scheduled and are closely monitoring updates and guidance from local authorities to ensure traveller safety. At present, there are no travel restrictions locally or internationally related to this event, and the risk to travellers remains low.

To donate to recovery efforts visit The Intrepid Foundation’s Spain Flood Appeal.