TORONTO — Intrepid Travel is doing its part to help the hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge from Myanmar by launching a Myanmar Emergency Appeal.
The Appeal was launched through The Intrepid Foundation to support the work of Red Cross, which is helping people seek refuge from violence in the Rakhine State. More than half a million people have crossed the border from Myanmar into Bangladesh to seek refuge after violence broke out in Rakhine State in late August. Temporary settlements and camps in Bangladesh are overflowing and it’s estimated the humanitarian situation in the region is likely to get worse. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is currently on the ground providing aid to people caught up in the violence on both sides of the border.
Intrepid Travel is encouraging travellers to donate to Red Cross relief efforts by matching all donations made through its not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of CAD $20,000 (potentially a donation of CAD $40,000).
“There is no doubt that there is a humanitarian crisis taking place and that there is an urgent need to help,” says James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel and Chair of The Intrepid Foundation. “While we don’t travel in the Rakhine State, it is our responsibility to provide support for communities in the countries we operate in. We don’t take sides nor support discrimination of any kind, but we are concerned about violence wherever it takes place, and the effect that this has on all people.”
Donations made through Intrepid’s Myanmar Emergency Appeal will go towards assisting Red Cross to provide humanitarian support to those affected by violence in Rakhine State, including those who have sought safety in neighbouring countries.
This includes providing first aid and medical care, emergency shelter, food and safe drinking water, as well as reconnecting families who have become separated and establishing safe spaces for women and children who may be at risk of abuse and exploitation.
To donate to The Intrepid Foundation’s Myanmar Emergency Appeal, visit: theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/rakhine/
