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The Impact of YAANA Ventures' Walkathon on Local Communities
On February 1, 2026, YAANA Ventures is set to energize the streets in a heartfelt endeavor to support eight vital charities across Asia through simultaneous walkathons in ten different locations. This initiative is not just about the act of walking; it embodies a collective effort to uplift local communities in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Cambodia. As participants lace up their walking shoes, they're not merely joining an event; they are becoming part of a broader movement aiming to foster social good and sustainable tourism.
Your Participation Matters: Joining the Movement
Last year’s walkathon gave over 200 participants the opportunity to step out not only for fitness but for a cause—demonstrating that travel can be transformative. Now is the perfect time for those interested in sustainable travel and community support to join this growing movement. Interested participants and donors can still get involved, with every step forward helping to raise crucial funds for charity. Walks will be organized by local offices of Khiri Travel and VHG Hospitality, showcasing picturesque walking routes that vary from urban parks to tranquil beachfronts and nature trails in silence.
The Charities Behind the Cause
The funds collected from these heartfelt walks will directly benefit eight noteworthy charities. Each charity is aligned with YAANA’s mission to harness tourism as a force for good:
- Thanks Giving Home, Thailand: Dedicated to supporting the elderly, ensuring they are not forgotten in society.
- Forest Healing Foundation, Sri Lanka: Focuses on forest restoration, safeguarding environmental heritage.
- Bali Children Foundation: Ensuring children's educational needs are met.
- Phoning Hospital, Laos: Providing vital services for individuals with disabilities.
- Ywar Thar Gyi Hospital, Myanmar: Offering mental health support to those in need.
- CRST Project B, Cambodia: Donating bicycles to children, offering them the opportunity to commute to school.
- Zapata Elementary School, Philippines: Supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Sai Gon Children, Vietnam: Enriching children’s educational experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
More Than Just Walking: A Sustainable Vision
Your participation in YAANA's walkathon reinforces a powerful narrative: that tourism can be a sustainable and responsible force of change. Natalie van Ogtrop, Sustainability Manager at YAANA Ventures, emphasizes the importance of this approach, stating, "At YAANA, we use The Long Run's 4Cs—community, conservation, culture, and responsible commerce—as a framework for our projects. This walkathon exemplifies what it means to give back and support those who need it the most." Indeed, supporting these causes aligns perfectly with the values of responsible travel enthusiasts, inviting them to lead by example and support sustainable practices.
How to Get Involved: Walk, Support, and Share
Travelers, industry members, and eco-conscious individuals are all invited to join the upcoming event or contribute by donating to any of the participating charities via the Khiri Reach foundation. Engaging with this walkathon doesn’t just benefit the individuals involved; it helps build stronger communities through your presence and support, making a direct impact in the regions involved. With the growing importance of sustainability in travel, participating in events like this fosters a greater, positive shift within the industry.
As local communities prepare to come together, the YAANA Ventures walkathon represents more than a series of walks; it showcases how travel and tourism can engage with local cultures and uplift those in need. Will you join as a participant or contribute in another way? Let’s walk together for a better tomorrow!
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