TORONTO — Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal in support of emergency relief for those impacted by the Morocco earthquake that struck on Sept. 8.
The epicentre of the 6.8 quake was located in the High Atlas mountain range, about 72 kilometres southwest of Marrakech. It is said that the quake is Morocco’s deadliest in over 60 years, with nearly 2,500 people confirmed dead.
Launched through its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation, the emergency appeal will 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 Sept. 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, who 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 while covering the foundation’s administrative costs, ensuring 100% 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.
She added: “Intrepid was founded on the idea of benefiting both the travelers and the people in the communities we visit. Through this relief effort, we hope to give back to the country that has given so much to our travel community. My heart is with Morocco, my home, and one of the most special places in the world.”
Intrepid Travel offers 33 tours in Morocco and has a major office in Marrakech with 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.
To donate, visit Morocco Earthquake Appeal.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH INTREPID’S TOURS?
Intrepid is cancelling all upcoming departures to Morocco scheduled until Sept. 12 to allow authorities to respond to the disaster without the pressure of additional tourists. Affected customers are being contacted and will be able to reschedule their trip or receive a refund.
Intrepid’s tour groups are currently spread across the country, including regions that have not been severely impacted. Due to this, the company will work with each tour group individually to advise next steps, based on the safest and best option for them.
Tour departures will resume from Sept. 13, 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 between Sept. 13-17 (inclusive) can choose to cancel their trip and receive a credit for a future booking.
