Kids First Riders

The itinerary for our 2009 bike tour in Vietnam has been posted.

Bike Tour Photos

Riders

This is a rare opportunity to be a part of something great, helping an organization that is changing lives. Eligible riders will travel with a group to Vietnam in February 2009 for approximately ten days of breathtaking scenery, cycling, and immersion in a rich culture filled with history. To participate, riders are each asked to raise $5,000 for Kids First Vietnam. In addition to fundraising, the cycling group increases awareness of Kids First and its activities through the bike tour and personal relationships that riders have with their donors. If you would like to participate, your commitment will need to be made by November 1st, 2008. See our itinerary then Contact us for more information or to sign up.

Contributors and Supporters

Vietnam has no other organization like Kids First Vietnam. Its projects directly help the young people of Quang Tri Province, an area devastated by some of the most intense fighting of the Vietnam War. Even today, unexploded ordinance, land mines, and dioxins from the use of agent orange continue to claim lives and limbs of innocent children. Forty percent of the farming land in the province cannot be used because of these dangers. That’s where Kids First Vietnam steps in. Its elementary school is open to and equipped for disabled children when they are shunned by their own society and rejected by public schools. In a place where the most vulnerable young people have nowhere to turn, Kids First offers them medical treatment, an education, career training, and a chance to mature into self-reliant individuals with equal opportunities, economic independence, and acceptance in the community. Read one boy’s story here.

Funds raised by the cyclists help Kids First with its mission of helping disabled and disadvantaged children in Quang Tri Province. Since the 850-student elementary school broke ground in 2000 (built by Kids First), more than 5,000 scholarships have been awarded to help kids pay for books and uniforms. Most recently, Kids First built the Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Village, dedicated in 2003. Although many projects are designed to be self-sustaining in the long term, right now their success depends on continued financial support from people like you. If you would like to contribute to our 2009 goal, please contact us.

Can’t Help Right Now?

Even if you are not able to make a donation right now or participate as a rider, you CAN be a part of our success by forwarding this web site address to someone you know. Think of someone who can take two weeks off and enjoys a great adventure. Send an E-mail to as many people as you can that may be able to give even the smallest amount. It all adds up.