Cycle Cambodia with Jono Kenyon and help Variety

Variety – The Children’s Charity is calling for an eager crew to join the Cambodia Cycle Challenge in September, taking the "path less travelled" over 16 days to explore the charm and wonders of Cambodia on two wheels with a celebrity host!

Jono Kenyon, star of the hit television series Step Dave will be leading the challenge and is excited about the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime and fundraise for Variety's Bikes for Kids Programme, which gives disadvantaged Kiwi kids their very own bike:

“When the opportunity came up to cycle around Cambodia to raise money and awareness for Variety – The Children's Charity I couldn't refuse! I feel very honoured and humbled to be leading the charge for Variety into a country that has some of the most under privileged children in the world, all to help our very own children back here in New Zealand.”

The trip is a partnership between Variety and leading travel company World Expeditions. It includes 9 days of moderate level cycling, and the chance to experience the beauty of the Cambodian landscape and visit key landmarks along the way.

Highlights include exploring one of the great wonders of the world – Angor Wat, visiting the floating village of Kompong Kleang and cruising down the Stung Sangker River before entering Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

The aim of this special trip is to fundraise for Variety’s ‘Bikes for Kids’ programme which each year provides around 450 deserving or disadvantaged children with the freedom and independence of owning their very own bike. Some of these children have overcome adverse circumstances, in some situations the family is simply not in a position to purchase a bike and in other cases the programme recognises and rewards children who are role models at their school or in their community.

The ticket price of $4990 per person includes return airfares with Singapore Airlines, twin-share accommodation, comfortable bikes, support crew and back-up vehicle, private transport when not cycling, expert bilingual guide, meals and a $500 donation to Variety’s ‘Bikes for Kids’ Programme.

“We are thrilled to have Jono on board for the Cambodia Cycle Challenge” says Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity.  “He will be a fantastic travel companion for the group taking part. Jono is keen to fundraise as much as possible along the way so we’re excited about reaching more kids than ever this year with our Bikes for Kids programme.”

Jono Kenyon is encouraging others to join him on the challenge: “Before anything else, we're going to have an absolute blast! More than just raising money for a great cause, together we will be jumping into the deep end of a country much different to our own and sharing experiences that I am sure we will remember for a life time. Hope to see you there!”


The Variety Cambodia Cycle Challenge

Trip Dates:     September 13 – 28 2014
Duration:       13 nights, 14 days
Group size:   Maximum 20
Trip highlights:        
·         Discover the history of Cambodia in the capital Phnom Penh

·         Floating village of Kompong Kleang

·         The charming province of Battambang

·         Apsara dance show

·         Hidden jungle temple of Beng Mealea

·         Cruise down the Stung Sangkèr River before entering Tonle

·         Sap, the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia

·         NGO ‘La Maison de Coco’ – an organization supporting children and girls who are

victims of abuse, domestic violence and trafficking

·         Museum of Genocide and Killing Field history

·         Cruise on Mekong

·         Beautiful beaches of Rabbit Island

·         Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary, Ta Tai
Waterfalls and Cardamom Mountains

Cost:               $4990 (cost includes a $500 donation to Variety's Bikes for Kids Programme)
Cycling:         9 days cycling covering around 400kms, usually 30 – 50 kms per day

Only 20 places are available on the Cambodia Cycle Challenge, so be quick to reserve your space. To find out more, download a booking form and itinerary at www.variety.org.nz, or contact carly@variety.org.nz.