BANGKOK, 19 September 2024: Bangkok-based YAANA Ventures stepped up to organise the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk last week at Koh Kred, a heritage-rich island in the Chao Phraya River, Greater Bangkok.
The charity event raised funds to end the human trafficking of children in Vietnam and surrounding countries.
Over 80 walkers participated in the event, which raised USD 5,070 (THB168,929), exceeding the target of US$3,000 (THB100,000).
Blue Dragon estimates that USD150 can keep a child in school for a year; US$350 can help a family start a livestock farm; US$500 will reunite a trafficked victim with their family and provide them emergency support to start over; and USD1,000 is enough to launch a rescue operation to bring a person home from slavery.
“People were inspired and turned out in big numbers,” said YAANA Ventures co-founder Mark Remijan.
“Our tourism companies have a long-term commitment to the countries where we work. Today, we contributed to a crucial cause — the well-being of vulnerable young people in our region.”
Founded in 2003, Blue Dragon has rescued over 1,500 people from trafficking, sent 6,400 kids back to school and training, provided shelter to over 1,770 girls and boys, served nearly 684,000 meals, and obtained legal papers for 13,553 people.
The event was co-organised by Naruna – Beyond Retreats, a YAANA Ventures company specialising in workplace productivity.
YAANA Ventures has restarted its charity fundraising initiatives following successful cycling-based fundraisers in 2017 and 2019. In 2025, it will hold another charity event in one of its destinations.
People who missed the walk can still donate to Blue Dragon’s anti-trafficking cause at https://www.bluedragonwalk.org/o/yaana-ventures.
Find out more about YAANA Ventures’ commitment to giving back at https://yaana-ventures.com/sustainability/.
About YAANA Ventures
YAANA Ventures owns, partners with, and operates entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. It distinguishes itself by sharing real experiences grounded in the region’s cultural richness.
