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At TruTravels, our People & Planet Promise isn’t just a tagline—it’s a mission.
We’ve set the bar high with a goal to positively impact 250,000 people by 2030, and a huge part of that is supporting community projects and local charities that make a real difference. To help us get there, we’re aiming to raise £250,000 through fundraising efforts, with every penny going straight towards People & Planet Initiatives.
So, when we hit the sandy shores of Siargao—aka the Philippines’ ultimate surf spot—we knew we wanted to do something unforgettable. Enter Sun Crew Fest 2024! With tropical vibes, epic games, and a mission to uplift local women and kids, it was more than just a party—it was a celebration of giving back. Because when you mix good times with great causes, amazing things happen. 🌊✨
Meet The Sun Crew: Siargao's Local Legends
Imagine this: it’s 2017, and local surfer Wemar Bonono spots something troubling on the beaches of Siargao—kids playing in the sand when they should be in school. His solution? Surfboards! But there was a catch: to ride the waves, these kids had to hit the books first. And so, The Sun Crew was born, turning surfboards into an unexpected tool for change.
Fast forward to today, and The Sun Crew is now a registered charity making serious waves in education and sustainability. From literacy and numeracy classes to scholarships empowering young women and environmental programs like Plastic Forward, they’re shaping brighter futures across Siargao. Their programs don’t just focus on learning but also life skills, leadership, and community support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
At TruTravels, we’re super proud to be part of their journey. By supporting their mission, we’re not just giving back—we’re helping fuel a movement that’s turning surf culture into a force for good. Whether it’s putting kids in classrooms or keeping beaches clean, The Sun Crew shows that small beginnings can lead to big impacts. And honestly, that’s the kind of vibe we’re all about.
The Big Day
On October 25th, with 320 tickets sold, Siargao’s Barrel Sports Bar turned into the ultimate beachfront festival, packed with good vibes, great games, and a whole lot of heart. From cultural performances to epic trivia battles, It was an awesome day! Traditional folk dancing kicked off the event, celebrating Filipino heritage, which was followed by a quiz, hosted by Simon “The Local Trivia Master,” which allowed the crowd to flex their knowledge. Beer pong and killer pool kept spirits high, thanks to our hype hosts, VJ and Darrin. Competitive energy was through the roof! And finally, the raffle extravaganza took the excitement up a notch, with epic prizes including a free TruTravels tour, an epic island-hopping adventure in Coron, Palawan, and more, all donated by our amazing local sponsors.
Behind the Scenes: A Community-Powered Event
This wasn’t just any fundraiser—it was a full-blown community effort. Lokal Lab brought their sustainability know-how, Barrel Sports Bar brought the vibes, and Siargao’s small businesses brought the goods, with prize donations helping us smash our fundraising goal. Together, we raised an incredible £2,222.92!
This October’s fundraising in the Philippines, bringing in £2,222.92, marks the highest total since 2022—a new record and a testament to the power of community support and our team’s dedication to making a positive impact.
Where Did All That Fundraising Go? Let’s Break It Down!
Every peso raised at Sun Crew Fest 2024 is being channelled directly into The Sun Crew’s transformative programs. Here’s how it’s changing lives:
- The READ Program: This literacy initiative is turning “I don’t like reading” into “I can’t put this book down!” as kids dive into the magic of stories and learning.
- The RISE Scholarship: Supporting 10 ambitious scholars who are turning their dreams into reality, one step at a time.
But wait, there’s more! Your contributions also provide vital support for 20 tutors and 2 staff members, while indirectly impacting 360 kids. That’s 392 lives touched—now that’s what we call a ripple effect!
This isn’t just a charity drive—it’s an investment in Siargao’s future. One kid, one book, one surfboard at a time, we’re building a thriving community. Here’s to more waves of change!
Overall it was a fabulous event and we cannot wait to run more incredible fundraisers like this one to help fulfill our People & Planet Promise and continue to make a positive difference around the world.
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