IGNITE TRAVEL GROUP SUPPORT MERCY SHIPS WITH ROW TO AFRICA CAMPAIGN
Ignite Travel Group (ITG) have launched a company-wide fundraising campaign supporting the incredible work of global charity Mercy Ships. To raise a donation of over $20,000, the Ignite team will attempt to row 9,790 kilometres – the equivalent distance of Australia to Dakar where hospital ship Africa Mercy is currently docked providing life-saving medical care. Further supporting the worthwhile cause, $10 from every My Cruises booking in August and October 2019 will be donated to Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships is a global charity operating hospital ships in developing nations, bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilising medical volunteers and resources worldwide. Since launching in 1978, Mercy Ships have changed the lives of more than 2.6 million people who live without access to first-rate medical care, regardless of race, gender or religion.
The campaign has received wide-spread support from ITG’s supplier network, with MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises jumping onboard as prize sponsors.
In a friendly row-off to launch the campaign, Ignite Travel Group Founder Randall Deer and My Cruises General Manager Michael Middleton kicked off the first few kilometres, motivating team members to get involved and jump on the in-office rowers with several prizes and travel incentives up for grabs. Visitors to the company’s Gold Coast office are welcomed to participate by contributing a distance or donation towards the fundraising campaign.
Ignite Travel Group CEO Ryan Thomas said the company were proud to be supporting such a worthy organisation.
“After learning of the incredible impact Mercy Ships is making in developing nations, we couldn’t think of a more suited charity to align with over the financial year,” Mr Thomas said.
“It’s quite a special movement to support, not only are Mercy Ships and its team of over 400 volunteers providing life-saving medical assistance, but the hospital ships they work from have been converted and repurposed from retired cruise ships. We’re taking this opportunity to focus on giving back to an incredibly worthwhile cause.”
My Cruises General Manager Michael Middleton said the connection to Mercy Ships strongly resonates throughout his team.
“As Mercy Ships is an ocean-based charity, it is very close to the hearts of everyone here at My Cruises. We are delighted to be supporting an organisation whose work helps and improves the lives of so many in need,” Mr Middleton said.
“I am thrilled our entire company is behind this charity, with all committed to working extremely hard on our fundraising campaign to see that we rally a sizeable donation for Mercy Ships.”
Mercy Ships Community Fundraising Executive Sue Moore said the ongoing support will touch the lives of many in need.
“The number of life-changing surgeries Mercy Ships will be able to provide, the many lives that will be saved as a result of this fundraising campaign and Ignite Travel Group’s ongoing commitment are tremendous. We are thankful for their generous support,” Ms Moore said.
Ignite Travel Group will be holding several Mercy Ships raffle and fundraising events throughout the financial year, with all donations going towards life-saving medical procedures and healthcare for those in developing nations. Anyone wishing to donate towards the worthwhile cause can visit Ignite Travel Group’s official campaign page on the Mercy Ships website.
About Ignite Travel Group: Ignite Travel Group (ITG) is an awarded multi-channelled travel marketing corporation parent to My Holiday Centre (MHC), RewardsCorp and Holiday Exclusives with 14 destination-specific brands under the MHC division. Most recently winning Australia’s fastest-growing travel business (2018) and ‘Disruptor of the Year’ at the 2019 Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards, ITG delivers incredible scale across the industry reaching over 10 million Australians every week through its top 5 travel advertising spend through to its revolutionary partnerships with 7travel, RACQ, Flybuys and Entertainment Book, alongside an exclusive long-term partnership and investment by Flight Centre Travel Group. ITG is one of the largest private corporations on the Gold Coast and currently employs over 200 staff and this year, was awarded Australia’s 15th fastest-growing private business across all industries.
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For interview requests or further information please contact Kylie Wilkinson Marketing Manager at Ignite Travel Group, by phone on (07) 5555 8888 or email Kylie.Wilkinson@ignitetravel.com
