The riders celebrate at the finish line of the H2H Charity Ride 2019 in front of the Central Post Office in downtown HCMC

The foreign and Vietnamese volunteer riders embarked on the ride that lasted 28 days through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside and along some sections of Ho Chi Minh Trail.

They were welcomed at the finish line in front of the Central Post Office in downtown HCMC on April 26 by British Consul General in HCMC Ian Gibbons, together with representatives from charity partners, sponsors, friends and supporters.

Bich Thao, a Vietnamese rider, said: “I'm always grateful for my life, my beloved family and the amazing people surrounding me. However, I also know that we don't live in a perfect world. There's never a perfect time to give, but there are always children out there in need. After four working years, I think it's time to walk out of my comfort zone and give back.”

Started in 2009, the H2H Charity Ride has raised more than US$370,000 to date to help disadvantaged children gain access to better education. This year is the 10th consecutive year that the volunteers have pedaled the distance between Vietnam’s two largest cities.

Donations can still be made on https://www.justgiving.com/teams/h2h2019 until the end of May. All funds donated will be distributed to five charity organizations including Saigonchildren, ILA Community Network, Live and Give, Know One Teach One, and Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation.

This year’s sponsors included Repsol, DHL, Dymax Corporation, Booda Brand, Giant Vietnam, TBC Ball Vietnam, Family Medical Practice, and 13 other sponsors. They have not only donated time and money but also motivational support to help make this ride possible for the 10th year in a row.

H2H Charity Ride is entirely run by volunteers, with organizational support from beneficiary charities and sponsors. The volunteers are mainly English teachers based in HCMC. They are people whose lives have been enriched by living in Vietnam and want to give something back by helping those most in need. SGT