Thanks for taking the time to visit my page! 

I moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to teach English as a second language just over a year ago. I initially planned to stay for just one year but, such is the addictive nature of the Vietnamese lifestyle, I've extended my time here a further 6 months. I am leaving soon, however. But before I do, I'm going to bid the country a big farewell in the form of a charity bicycle ride (yes, two pedals, no engine) from Hanoi, way up in the north, to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The journey weighs in at roughly 2000km / 1200 miles. It'll take a month, lots of sweat and probably a few tears to complete.

H2H (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City), is an annual charity ride organised by a number of expats living in Saigon. This year's team consists of myself and 19 other committed riders. Each of us is volunteering our time and efforts in an attempt to raise money for three charities: Saigon Children's Charity; The Children's Initiative and the ILA Community Network (ILACN). These charities share a common mission - to support impoverished children in Vietnam through education and healthcare. Each rider is required to raise $750, though I'm hoping to raise at least £750. Last year's ride generated a staggering $46,000 - a figure we intend to squash in the coming year.

This is where you come in - and donating couldn't be easier. Just hit the "Donate now" button and enter an amount.

While I can't say that every last penny that we raise will go directly to our charities, I can say that the vast vast vast majority of what we raise will. All of our riders are volunteers. We are paying for our travel, food, accommodation, bikes, etc. Your donation is NOT funding a holiday for me. Your pound sterling donation, however big or small, will go a long, long way out here in Vietnam. 

Please spread the word, and refer friends and other like minded souls to my page. Thanks again for your time!

Conor

****INFO ON SAIGON CHILDREN'S CHARITY****

SAIGON CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Founded in 1992, SCC is a UK registered charity working exclusively in Vietnam. The vision for SCC is to work towards the elimination of poverty in Vietnam through education. Our mission is:

“SCC enables disadvantaged children in Vietnam to reach their full potential through receiving a quality education relevant to their needs.”

Education is, we believe, the most lasting and effective way we can help children and their families to escape from the cycle of poverty. It also represents a double investment – an investment in the children but also an investment in the future of Vietnam.

 

SCC:

·   builds schools and kindergartens where there are none or only the most basic provision.

·   provides scholarships to individual children and young adults.

·   offers vocational training and employment support.

·   targets children with a disability through empowerment and capacity- building of local shelters.

We currently work in Ho Chi Minh City, mainly in the rural fringes such as Can Gio and Cu Chi but also in difficult areas like District 4. In addition SCC works in 5 provinces surrounding HCMC – Dong Nai, Tay Ninh and in the northern provinces of the Mekong Delta, Tien Giang and Tra Vinh.

 

Our accounts are audited annually by KPMG and are lodged each year with the UK Charity Commission.