Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation, committing to double all donations up to AUD $100,000. All funds raised will go directly to grassroots organisations to provide emergency relief and support in Morocco following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated parts of the country on September 8, 2023.
The Intrepid Foundation has established the appeal to provide support to its long-term local NGO partners in Morocco, Education for All and the High Atlas Foundation who are on the ground working with local communities. This includes providing those impacted with essential provisions such as food, shelter, clean water, and medical supplies.
The Intrepid Foundation will match donations to the Morocco Earthquake Appeal up to $100,000 AUD while covering the foundation’s administrative costs, ensuring 100 percent of donations go directly to recovery efforts.
“The earthquake in Morocco is the most devastating to hit the country in over a century, impacting more than 300,000 lives in the communities surrounding the High Atlas Mountains and beyond. While many of us cannot even begin to understand this level of loss, we can, by supporting this appeal, directly supply those impacted with emergency relief and support,” said Biheng Zhang, General Manager of the Intrepid Foundation.
Intrepid holds a deep and enduring connection with Morocco. As one of the tour operator’s biggest destinations globally, the country has shared its beauty with countless Intrepid travellers. “Intrepid was founded on the idea of benefiting both the travellers and the people in the communities we visit. Through this relief effort, we hope to give back to the country that has given so much to our travel community,” said Zina Bencheikh Managing Director of EMEA for Intrepid Travel.
“My heart is with Morocco, my home, and one of the most special places in the world,” she adds.
Intrepid Travel offers 33 tours in Morocco, with a major office in Marrakech and nearly 80 local team members. Intrepid had 66 tour groups and approximately 650 customers on tours in the country at the time of the earthquake, all of whom are accounted for.
To donate, please visit Morocco Earthquake Appeal.
Main Image Credit: Sanae Benaadim, High Atlas Foundation.
