Before moving from the U.S., I knew that I wanted to give back to the society that is allowing me to fulfill my longtime dream to live in Vietnam. And I found a volunteer opportunity that is equal parts challenging, purposeful, and rewarding –– the annual H2H Charity Bike Ride.

Starting on March 28, I will be riding my bicycle more than 1,200 often-grueling miles through mountainous regions of Vietnam to raise $3,500 for five charities that directly serve the most underprivileged and at-risk youth in Vietnam.

Will you stand with me to reach this goal by March 28 to help transform the lives of thousands of vulnerable children?

I will be paying all of the costs of the ride –– roughly $1,000 –– which means that

every dollar you give will go directly to proven charities working to end the cycle of poverty, increase access to education, and shut down human trafficking and slavery in Vietnam.

The success of this ride depends on you as much as me.

Your gift of $50, $100, $250 or any amount will go a long way to providing disadvantaged children with safety, health, and education in a country that often lacks the resources to do so.

Can I count on your help?

Here are the five charities that your generous donation will help to fund:

• Saigon Children's Charity focuses on building schools, giving scholarships, supporting children of all educational levels, and providing vocational training.
• Blue Dragon works with street kids, children with disabilities, children living in extreme poverty, and victims of human trafficking –– rescuing them from danger, reuniting them with their families, and providing them with services for recovery and growth
• ILA Community Network educates disadvantaged children through a structured, needs-based curriculum.
• KOTO (Know One, Teach One) works to end the cycle of poverty in Vietnam by empowering underprivileged youth with education and job skills training.
• Live and Give began as an orphanage and boarding school, and has grown to include a kindergarten for minority children and a twice-weekly dental clinic. They are currently building a second school in Bao Lam province that will serve 250 students a day 

I hope that you will join me in supporting this critical campaign –– to help bring vulnerable young people off the streets… save them from slavery and sex trafficking… provide them with a quality education… and give them an opportunity to escape the trappings of poverty to achieve their full potential.

Thank you in advance for whatever gift you can give. If you and I can provide at-risk kids with even a glimmer of the opportunity that we enjoyed growing up, then this ride –– and your generous donation –– will have been well worth it.

Sincerely,

Ray Guerra

P.S.     The H2H Charity Bike Ride brings attention to the desperate conditions faced by many Vietnamese children, and your donation will help to provide these kids with food, an education, and a safe environment. So please donate what you can to help save these children's lives and provide them with a brighter future.