Maple Marauders - The Mongol Rally

17000 kilometres, 4 idiots, a shitty car: Raising money to save the world and lives. 

WHO ARE WE

In short, 4 young idiots out on an extraordinary adventure to save the world

We are Kashtin Apsassin of the Prairies, Peter Jensen of the North, Danielle from the East, and Jade from Vancouver. Now, we're four aspiring travel addicts in search of the modern adventure.Facebook

WHAT ARE WE DOING

The Mongol Rally 2017. Arguably one of the greatest tests of spirit and adventure in the woorld. It is a charity rally that has been ongoing yearly since 2004. Every year, hundreds of downright moronic people sign themselves up for sheer, idiocy. 

This year, we join that list. 

Why is this idiotic, you may say? Well, I'm glad you asked.  
To start, here are some key features to the rally:
1. 17000 kilometres
2. Teams are entirely unsupported
3. We decide our own route
4. In a car we pay less than GBP500 for
5. And it must have an engine 1.2L or less. 

So, if we break down on the side of a road in a desert in the middle of nowhere with no roads then it's up to our own selves to fix it. 

But we do it to save the rainforests and to save lives. 

We raise money, and spread awareness for urgent global and social issues. Teams are completely unsupported - representing a return to the proper unadulterated adventure. Like the mythical time before the internet. 

For more official information, follow the link below.
The Mongol Rally

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS

Because life is short - the best time to do the things that creates those stories is now. This, we learned, having grown up in an isolated and frozen corner of Canada. We ventured out into the world, and it taught us something: that we really can. 

Additionally, because the issues of rainforest conservation and 

Also, because we really like cars. 

THE CHARITIES

The Mongol Rally, like every adventure hosted by The Adventurists, requires each team to raise GBP1000 (CAD ~$1659), half of which goes to the official charity. The other half, and whatever excess, goes to a charity of our choice.

That's where the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada comes in. 

4 years ago, my mother had a severe stroke, hospitalising her. Whether she would make it or not was unsure - as her blood pressure was through the roof. A few more hours and she wouldn't be here today.

She is a model parent, teaching independence and strength, and she can continue to do so today with the resources, research, and understanding dedicated to stroke provided over decades from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. By all measures, she was an incredible success story - through intensive physiotherapy and determination - she has made a remarkable recovery. This wouldn't have been possible without the countless resources and research conducted by the organisation. 

It means beyond the world to me that she can be here today, and this charity seemed fittingly so as the most deserving.

Cool Earth


The official charity of The Advenurists, Cool Earth is an organisation dedicated to working with indigenous villages empowering them to halt rainforest destruction. 
-Unique model
-put the power in the hands of the villages and villagers, -not just purchasing land

Stats
-600 000+ acres saved
-150 000 000+ trees saved
-170 000 000+ tons of CO2 stored

Cool Earth - About

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

The organisation in canada dedicated to heart disease and stroke research and prevention, the foundation has saved thousands of lives and improved those of millions - my mother included. 

This will be our primary charity once donation goals for the required charity are met. 

Heart and Stroke Foundation - About

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Right now, our initial goal is $2000. The first half will go to the official charity, to meet the requirement for the official charity. Although GBP1000 =/= CAD 2000, it seemed like a nice even round number. The next $1000 will go directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Beyond that, 50% of a donation will go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the other 50% will go towards offsetting the costs that are otherwise out of pocket. Things like our vehicle, insurance, visas, stuff like that. We surely won't be eating lavishly though - and intend to be 100% transparent about the accounting.

TO CONCLUDE

Please help us save the world. Any donation or consideration counts and will be greatly appreciated. 

Yours truly,