Intrepid Travel goes MAD

Media release
10 June 2008

Intrepid Travel goes MAD

Intrepid Travel has taken its commitment to responsible travel one step further with the introduction of Intrepid MAD (Make a Difference) projects. These innovative 'voluntourism' adventures are an opportunity for New Zealander's to get involved in community development and to make a difference to the world.

Volunteers on Intrepid's MAD projects join small teams of up to 12 people in rural villages in Latin America, Africa and Asia for 2, 4 or 6 weeks, participating in 'hands on' projects that assist local development in health, education and sanitation. Experienced local masons, carpenters and craftsmen lead groups, teaching the volunteers the required skills and supervising their work.

Each project is owned and led by the community to ensure its sustainability and volunteers' time is split between building essential infrastructure and teaching in local schools. Living and working as part of the community, participants become a part of village life.

India, Peru, Tanzania, Ghana, Vietnam and Uganda are all examples of destinations that benefit from the schools, clinics, toilets, water storage tanks and community centres that Intrepid MAD 'voluntourists' have helped build & renovate. For those wanting to contribute to communities closer to home, Fiji MAD projects focus on teaching sports-mad children rugby, hockey, netball, football, tennis and swimming.

Alison Mead, General Manager of Intrepid Travel New Zealand says "Many New Zealanders are looking for another way to make travel meaningful. Intrepid MAD projects are a unique combination of philanthropy and travel."

New Zealanders are some of the world's most generous with their time with Statistics New Zealand estimating that more than one million New Zealanders are actively involved in volunteer work. The recent Condé Nast Traveler magazine survey found that 75% of those surveyed wanted to take a volunteer holiday and 75% of those who been a voluntourist would be 'very likely' to do so again.

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INTREPID TRAVEL MAD, TANZANIA
Join a group of like minded volunteers to take on a MAD community project amongst the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world. Split your time between a building project and teaching at a local school, tackling projects that have been identified by your host community, ensuring the benefits of your hard work will last well into the future.

INTREPID TRAVEL MAD, GHANA
From the lush hills and waterfalls of the Volta Region to the beaches of the Atlantic coast and the dusty savannah of the far north, MAD projects are located all over this wonderful country. Working alongside local tribal chiefs, village committees and major international charities our MAD team have completed dozens of successful building projects in Ghana from clinics and community centres to toilet blocks.

INTREPID TRAVELMAD, THAILAND
Known as 'The Land of Smiles', Thailand has a breathtaking combination of natural beauty, fascinating history and mouth watering cuisine. Located in the rolling countryside of Northern Thailand beyond the peaceful city of Chiang Rai our projects focus on building basic infrastructure for the impoverished hill-tribes in the area. Our projects in this region are undertaken in partnership with a local NGO who seeks to empower communities and promote social change through mutual co-operation, self education and an active community.
More information at www.intrepidtravel/MAD

INTREPID TRAVEL MAD, PERU
Head out beyond the historic town of Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Located high among the spectacular Andes Mountains our projects focus on assisting children and impoverished communities who, despite their harsh living conditions, always have a big smile ready.

For more information on visit www.intrepidtravel/MAD or contact:
Sarah Moore, smoore[at]intrepidtravel.com, (09) 529 5170 or 021 680 340.

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