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 organizations 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, which 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 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.
In addition, the tour operator reported it has accounted for all its customers currently on tours, tour leaders and staff in Morocco, following Friday’s earthquake and canceled all upcoming departures scheduled until 12 September. This is aimed at ensuring the authorities can respond to the immediate disaster without the pressure of additional tourists.
Intrepid had approximately 650 customers in the country at the time the earthquake struck.
Tour departures will resume from September 12, with some amendments in place. This includes completely avoiding the Atlas Mountains and greatly reducing time in Marrakech. Additionally, customers who are due to depart on a trip in Morocco September 13-17 can choose to cancel their trip and receive a credit for a future booking.
To donate, visit www.theintrepidfoundation.org.
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