Fund-raising success in the 6th Team Dai Challenge
The 6th Team Dai Challenge raises almost US$ 20,000 for AFESIP Laos. Team Dai challenge is now in its sixth edition and succeeded expectations by raising nearly $20 000 in donations for AFESIP Laos, a company working to eradicate human trafficking and sexual exploitation of Laotian women and girls.
Celebrated in March 2012, the Team Dai Challenge 2013 involved a 3-day journey and raffle with prizes donated by the event’s sponsors. It originally targeted the goal of raising US$ 10,000 for AFESIP. From 8th to 10th of March, twenty-three riders from 7 different nationalities were pushed to their limits in trying to complete the Vientiane to Luang Prabang route through remote and beautiful parts of the country. The total distance was 380km over 3 days, including a 12km long climb up to a 2,000m elevation.
These three days will definitely remain a very special memory; not only to all participants and organizers, but for the personal challenges faced and the great funding results achieved. Most importantly the benefits received by those girls and women who have found through the Team Dai Challenge initiative, a second opportunity for a life away of abuse and slavery.
EXO Foundation was one of the proud sponsors supporting the event, with a US$ 1,500 contribution to their fund-raising cause, which reached a total of US$ 19,748. The money will be fully distributed among AFESIP’s different programs in Laos, contributing to prevention, reintegration and social enterprise programs; as well as enhancing the wellbeing of human trafficking victims through health assistance, counselling, nutritious meals and vocational skills training provided in the two shelters operated by AFESIP in Vientiane and Savannakhet.
Team Dai was formed in 2008 with the original aim to raise funds for a bicycle journey between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. After the success of this first initiative, Team Dai spent the funds accumulated on school supplies and restoration, as well as on orphanages and single-women shelters outside Luang Prabang. Since then, Team Dai has committed to Laos´ sustainable development by organising the Team Dai Challenge every year.
