Through torrential rain and 40°C heat; up vertiginous mountain climbs and stunning coastal roads; Jake Norris has endured a three-month test of endurance to bring about a better future for children in Vietnam.
On the 24th February, the Australian expat and his Irish mate, Sean Down, will complete their extraordinary 2,000 kilometer journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to raise valuable funds in support of children’s charities: Thanh Loc Project and Blue Dragon Children's Foundation. They will mark the occasion at 15.00 at an event at Jaspas restaurant in the city center.
The ambitious initiative, titled "Vietnam Charity Walk: A Walk For Change," has captured the attention and support of individuals, companies, and communities from all corners of the globe.
Jake and Sean’s mission has been to raise funds to support the vital efforts of the chosen charities, which are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of children in Vietnam.
Thanh Loc Project focuses on providing education, housing, food, water, and shelter to underprivileged children in Vietnam through long-term, sustainable solutions.
Blue Dragon Children's Foundation works tirelessly to combat the pervasive issue of human trafficking, and is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating victims, providing education and vocational training, and creating awareness to prevent further exploitation.
To date, the campaign has raised more than US $35,000, and with numerous upcoming fundraising events and an increasing number of corporate sponsors joining the cause, the momentum continues to grow.
Working as an English teacher and calling Vietnam home for now, Jake said he was deeply motivated by the children he has met in his travels that continue to show such tremendous kindness and happiness, despite the daily hardship and adversity they face.
"The challenges these children face are unimaginable, and it's our duty to make a difference,” Jake said.
“By walking across Vietnam, we hope to not only raise funds but also shine a spotlight on the issues these children endure daily."
The "Vietnam Charity Walk: A Walk For Change" initiative has gained substantial traction on social media, with its dedicated Facebook and Instagram pages (facebook.com/VietnamCharityWalk & https://www.instagram.com/vietnamcharitywalk/) serving as hubs for updates, stories, and ways for individuals and businesses to follow the journey.
"It's really been a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Jake.
"We've just had three months of intense highs and lows. We struggled to find food at times, and we had an entire week of torrential, freezing rain. Over the last month the temperature has soared and we've been doing 35 kilometers per day in 40°C heat. So now we're often up and out the door by 4am to avoid the heat!”
“The other side is the incredible interactions we've had and the friends we've made. People have been wonderfully generous with their time, money and accommodation. Not a day has gone by that someone hasn't stopped their bike to offer food or water.”
“We're going to miss those daily affirmations of peoples’ kindness.”
To support Jake and Sean on their incredible journey and contribute to the Vietnam Charity Walk, visit https://gogetfunding.com/vietnam-charity-walk/
Details of the event on the 24th can also be found on the Facebook page.
Please find attached their most recent media coverage here in the national news: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/bG6aVd8bW7vvJ8vs/?mibextid=xfxF2i
And Australia: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2ZXm33AIH2/?igsh=MWVwb3AxbHU3ZGM4eA==
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jake Norris
+84 37 512 5296