Corporate Social Responsibility
Sep
Mad Monkey Hostels Shifts Focus of Mad Love Events to Support Typhoon Relief Efforts in Laos & Vietnam
September 2024 – Southeast Asia — In response to the devastating typhoon that has severely impacted Northern Laos and Northern Vietnam, Mad Monkey Hostels has made a heartfelt decision to pivot the focus of its upcoming Mad Love: Celebrating 13 Years of Impact events. Instead of the planned celebrations, the events will now prioritize urgent relief and recovery efforts for those affected. This decision comes as these natural disasters have created overwhelming needs in both regions. A Call to Action: Supporting Typhoon Relief in Laos & Vietnam The typhoons have left a devastating trail across both regions. Thousands of people have been displaced, homes destroyed, and necessities like water have become scarce. For Mad Monkey Hostels, which always prioritizes community, redirecting event proceeds toward disaster relief and rebuilding efforts was essential. Fundraiser Weekend for Northern Vietnam: September 21-22 Mad Monkey Hoi An is organizing a weekend of fundraising events, aimed at rallying the community to provide much-needed support for those affected by Typhoon Yagi. Participants can enjoy a range of activities, knowing that every contribution will make a difference: The event highlights include Karma Karaoke on Saturday night, and a Live DJ and Live Music on Sunday. All proceeds will go to UNICEF, which is actively providing aid to the typhoon-affected communities. Mad Monkey Luang Prabang: Adventure Meets Culture September 22, 2024 — In Laos, the Mad Love Adventure Challenge at Mad Monkey Luang Prabang will offer participants a unique opportunity to explore the historic beauty of the city while contributing to the region’s recovery efforts. The event includes a guided walking tour through Luang Prabang’s iconic sites, including the Old Bridge and Wat Sensoukharam, paired with a scavenger hunt through the vibrant Night Market. All proceeds from the event will benefit disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in Northern Laos. Mad Monkey Vang Vieng: Music, Food, and Fun by the Pool September 27, 2024 — Later in the month, Mad Monkey Vang Vieng will host the Mad Love Music Festival and Pool Party, a lively celebration featuring live music from local artists, food stalls offering Southeast Asian cuisine, and interactive cultural workshops. The festival will also include a raffle with exciting prizes, with all proceeds donated to Vientiane Rescue, an emergency response service working tirelessly to support the local community. Mad Love in Action: Why These Events Matter The decision to shift the focus of our Mad Love events came from a place of deep empathy for the people of Northern Laos and Vietnam, many of whom are facing unimaginable hardships in the wake of these disasters. While the original purpose of these events was to celebrate 13 years of community and sustainability, it became clear that what’s needed now is action and support. How You Can Help We invite our community—travelers, locals, and supporters around the world—to join us in our efforts to support the people of Laos and Vietnam. Whether by attending the Fundraiser BBQ in Vietnam, participating in the Mad Love Adventure Challenge in Luang Prabang, or simply spreading the word, your involvement will make a direct impact in helping these communities rebuild.
Sep
Mad Monkey Hostels Launches “Mad Love” to Boost CSR Impact in Southeast Asia
September 2024 – Southeast Asia — Mad Monkey Hostels is redefining socially responsible travel with its new sub-brand, Mad Love. This initiative, which coincides with Mad Monkey’s 13th anniversary, focuses on creating positive impacts through travel that’s both enjoyable and meaningful. What is Mad Love? The Mad Love Logo. Image courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. Mad Love isn’t just a new brand; instead, it’s a movement that promotes inclusivity, sustainability, and community impact. It amplifies Mad Monkey’s core values and strengthens its commitment to uplifting communities and protecting the environment. Through Mad Love, travelers can enjoy memorable experiences while also making a difference. Join the Mad Love CSR Events To celebrate Mad Love, Mad Monkey Hostels will host a series of CSR-focused events from September 4th to 29th at all locations. Here’s what you can look forward to: Why Mad Love Matters Mad Love feeding program at Tignao Elementary School, Lazi, Siquijor. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Siquijor. Mad Monkey Hostels has always been more than just a place to stay. Now, with Mad Love, we are deepening our commitment to socially responsible travel. Each event not only promises fun but also supports sustainability and community service. “Launching Mad Love is a testament to our 13-year journey of impact and commitment to making the world better through travel,” said Tinay Coloma, Global CSR Manager of Mad Monkey Hostels. “Mad Love embodies our passion for community and sustainability. We believe travel should be meaningful and fun.” Get Involved with Mad Love! We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone! You can participate in our launch events, follow the fun online, and help us make a difference. For more details about the Mad Love events and to secure your spot, visit this event page. Mad Monkey Hostels remains committed to creating travel experiences with purpose and passion. With Mad Love, we’re excited to build a sustainable future together. So, let’s make a difference, one adventure at a time!
Aug
Mad Monkey Hostels Community Impact: Jan-Jun 2024
Welcome to the Mad Monkey Hostels’ Community Impact report for the first half of 2024! We’re thrilled to share the incredible difference we’ve made together through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. From supporting local schools to participating in global campaigns, our commitment to giving back is stronger than ever. Let’s dive into the highlights from January to June 2024. Global Contributions World Water Day Campaign Our World Water Day campaign last March was a global success, raising $1,725.09 distributed among 5 charities across Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, and Thailand. This initiative underscores our commitment to addressing the world’s water crisis and making a tangible impact on global communities. By allocating these funds to different water-related charities, we aim to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in underserved areas. Clean water is a fundamental human right, and our efforts are focused on ensuring more people have access to this vital resource. World Oceans Day Celebration In celebration of World Oceans Day, four of our beach hostels—Nacpan Beach, Siargao, Panglao, and Koh Rong—organized beach clean-ups and educational workshops. These activities helped maintain the beauty of our beaches and raised awareness about ocean conservation. By involving both locals and tourists, we fostered a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement toward preserving our oceans. Mad Monkey Panglao Beach Clean-up on World Oceans Day. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. Local Heroes in Southeast Asia Supporting Water Wells in CambodiaThrough the sale of raffle tickets, we raised approximately $158, which will be added to the donations from our World Water Day campaign. These funds are directed towards supporting the Cambodian Buddhist Association for Vulnerable Children (CBAVC) water well projects. Access to clean water is a critical issue in many Cambodian communities, and these wells provide essential resources for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. By supporting these projects, we help ensure that children and their families have reliable access to safe and clean water, improving their overall health and quality of life. The Mad Monkey Siem Reap team turning over donations to CBAVC. Photo Courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. Enhancing Healthcare & Education in Laos: Located in Nathong Village in Vang Vieng, the SAE Lao Project focuses on sustainable development and education. Our Vang Vieng hostel’s contribution of $326.14 supports their various educational activities, including English lessons, IT classes, a library, adult skills training, and sustainability presentations. These initiatives empower the local community by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their quality of life and promote sustainable practices. Meanwhile in Luang Prabang, our donation of $61.37 supports Friends Without A Border Hospital in Luang Prabang. By funding healthcare services, we contribute to improving the health and well-being of children who lack access to essential medical care. This support is crucial for ensuring that these children can lead healthier, happier lives. Philippines: Supporting Young Athletes and Students Mad Monkey Siargao: In Siargao, we raised funds through Charity Bingo and an anniversary boat party to support the athletes of Catangnan Elementary School, preparing them for the 2024 CARAGA Regional Athletic Meet. We provided essential items such as bedrolls, tumblers, and pillows, ensuring these young athletes had the necessary resources for their training camp. This support not only aids their physical preparation but also boosts their morale, showing them that the community is behind them. Principal Joselito Tiu and the Mad Monkey Siargao team. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach: After discovering that 50 local children were missing meals daily, we took immediate action. Our team, including General Manager Kurt, Resident Operations Manager Craig Holmes, and Regional…
Jul
Mad Monkey Earns Level 1 Sustainability Badge from Hostelworld
Exciting news for all you eco-conscious travelers! Mad Monkey Hostels has just been awarded the prestigious Level 1 Sustainability Badge by Hostelworld. This achievement highlights our unwavering commitment to sustainable travel and environmental stewardship, setting a new standard for hostels around the globe. What is the Level 1 Sustainability Badge? The Level 1 Sustainability Badge is the first step in Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability program. This certification recognizes hostels that have implemented fundamental sustainable practices. It covers crucial areas such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and community involvement. Achieving this badge means Mad Monkey Hostels has demonstrated a strong foundation in promoting sustainable travel. Why It Matters Sustainable travel isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. By earning the Level 1 Sustainability Badge, Mad Monkey Hostels is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also providing travelers with eco-friendly accommodations. This ensures that every guest’s stay is not just enjoyable but also kind to our planet. Our Green Initiatives At Mad Monkey Hostels, we believe in making a positive impact. Here’s how we’re doing it: Mad Monkey Hanoi’s Blood Donation Drive. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey. Why Stay With Us? When you choose Mad Monkey Hostels, you’re not just booking a place to stay; you’re joining a movement towards more responsible and sustainable travel. Our Level 1 Sustainability Badge means you can rest easy knowing that your accommodation is doing its part to protect the environment. Weekly beach clean-up at Mad Monkey Gili T. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey. Join the Movement We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, but our journey doesn’t stop here. We’re committed to continuous improvement and are already working towards the next level of the staircase to sustainability. So, whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or planning your first adventure, consider Mad Monkey Hostels for a sustainable travel experience that makes a difference. Let’s explore the world responsibly, together.
May
World Ocean Day 2024: Sustainable Travel Tips for Backpackers
World Ocean Day, celebrated every June 8th, is a global event that unites people in protecting and preserving our beautiful oceans. As backpackers, we often get the chance to explore the world’s most stunning coastlines and pristine beaches. But with great adventure comes great responsibility. This World Ocean Day, let’s dive into sustainable travel practices and discover how Mad Monkey Hostels are making a splash with their weekly beach clean-up activities. Sustainable Travel: Why It Matters Traveling sustainably is about making choices that benefit the environment, local communities, and future travelers. It’s about leaving the places we visit better than we found them. When we backpack across coastal regions, our actions can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems. Here’s how you can contribute to the cause: Tips for Sustainable Travel Reduce your carbon footprint by packing only what you need. Lightweight backpacks mean lighter loads for transportation, which translates to lower emissions. Opt for biodegradable toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, and reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags. This minimizes plastic waste that often ends up in the oceans. Whenever possible, use public transport, cycle, or walk. These options are not only eco-friendly but also provide a richer travel experience. Eat, shop, and stay local. Supporting local businesses helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with imported goods and contributes to the local economy. Mad Monkey Hostels are a great example of eco-conscious accommodations. They implement sustainable practices such as reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts. Beach Clean-Up: A Hands-On Approach to Conservation One of the most direct ways backpackers can contribute to marine conservation is by participating in beach clean-ups. These activities help remove harmful debris from coastal areas, protect marine life, and raise awareness about ocean pollution. Weekly beach clean-up at Long Set Beach. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Koh Rong. Mad Monkey’s Weekly Beach Clean-Ups Mad Monkey Hostels are not just about providing a place to stay—they’re about creating a community that cares for the environment. Every week, Mad Monkey organizes beach clean-up activities at various beach locations. Here’s why you should join: Each piece of trash you pick up is one less hazard for marine life. Beach clean-ups have immediate, tangible results that contribute to healthier oceans. These events are a fantastic way to meet fellow backpackers who share your passion for sustainability and marine conservation. Who knows, you might find a new travel buddy! Beach clean-ups often include educational sessions about the impact of pollution and how to reduce it. This knowledge is invaluable and can be shared with others to amplify the impact. Spending time on the beach, doing something positive, and enjoying the natural beauty is a rewarding experience. It’s a perfect blend of leisure and activism. Swimming with a turtle from a safe distance in Apo Island. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Dumaguete. Marine Conservation Tips and Etiquette Being a sustainable traveler means respecting the places you visit. When it comes to marine conservation, here are some tips and etiquette to keep in mind: Observe marine animals from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing them. Remember, we are guests in their home. Plastics are a major pollutant in our oceans. Reduce your use of single-use plastics by carrying reusable alternatives. Whatever you bring to the beach, take it back with you. This simple rule ensures that you leave the beach as pristine as you found it. Share your knowledge about marine conservation with fellow travelers. The more people are aware, the bigger the impact we can make. Join local initiatives like those organized by Mad Monkey Hostels. Your…