Former real estate tycoon Morgan Parker will embark on an epic 20,000 kilometre journey from his current base in Hong Kong to his hometown in Brisbane, Australia, on 1 March 2011.
The purpose of this thrilling journey is to raise money for 10 charities nominated by Wheel2Wheel, a non-profit organization established in Hong Kong in 2009 to increase awareness of under recognized charitable bodies.
Riding on his BMW F800GS enduro motorbike, Morgan will make his way through the following countries: China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, and – finally – Australia. It will take him 100 days to arrive at his destination.
Live the Dream
The adventure has been dubbed Live the Dream. Morgan will journey through crowded cities and isolated fishing villages.
He will travel along deserted dirt roads, over mountainous terrain, by idyllic coastlines, and through the Australian Outback. He will witness national monuments, sacred sites, pristine rain forests, and areas that have been devastated by natural disasters.
Some nights he will sleep under the stars. Others he will luxuriate in the comfort of five star hotels – at his own expense, of course. All funds raised will go directlly to the respective charities.
10 Carefully Selected Charities
Morgan will meet and film the principals and beneficiaries of one carefully selected charity nominated by Wheel2Wheel in each of the 10 countries he visits.
“I’m filled with so many emotions on this incredible historic day,” Morgan says.
“It’s a privilege to start this epic 20,000 kilometre transcontinental charity expedition in Hong Kong. Over the coming four months, I will traverse many countries, see many sights, and meet many people. I’m honoured to be able to raise awareness and funds for 10 charitable organizations during this expedition. My thanks to all the supporters who have made this unique trip possible.”
Champagne Send Off
Family and friends as well as Wheel2Wheel supporters and the media will start gathering at Wagyu Restaurant at 60 Wyndham Street in Hong Kong’s trendy SoHo district at 10 am 1 March.
Following a champagne send off at 11.30 am, Morgan will roar off toward the Chinese border. He will be accompanied from Hong Kong Island through the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories to the border by an entourage of motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters of Wheel2Wheel.
After crossing the border, Morgan and a support team will be met by representatives of Wheel2Wheel’s nominated charity in China, Gecko, which stands for Greennovate Environmental Challenges for Kids Outreach.
Clean Air Network
The send off will be a chance to highlight and show support for Clean Air Network (CAN), Wheel2Wheel’s Hong Kong based charitable organization. Joanne Ooi, CEO of CAN, will be on hand to discuss the latest CAN developments in its crusade to educate and publicize Hong Kong’s air pollution policy and crisis.
Other charities to benefit from Morgan’s fund raising journey include Animals Asia in Vietnam, Child’s Dream in Laos, New Hope in Cambodia, Baan Gerda in Thailand, the Women’s Aid Organization in Malaysia, PanEco in Indonesia, the Action for Change Foundation in Timor Leste, and Nailsma in Australia.
Pictured (from left): Levina, Joy, Paige, Morgan, Alan and Elly