PONG VISION
Since 2011 the Pong has been a dynamic fundraising and advocacy movement combating human trafficking and exploitation of young people in South East Asia. Communities across Australia (and in 2018 the USA), host table tennis events between 3 and 24 hours in length each October. Participants sign up to play at their venue of choice and invite family and friends to sponsor their efforts.
Since 2011 Victor Harbor Baptist Church and the surrounding community has raised in excess of $30,000 dollars – with 2017 coming in at $10500 which was an amazing 11th nationally.
Ping Pong-A-Thon partners in the work of creative, passionate and innovative organisations who are committed to supporting, equipping and nurturing the lives of young people impacted by human trafficking and exploitation in South East Asia.
In 2017 100 communities hosted events. The campaign included the first international Pong venue (Bangkok, Thailand) as well as events in cafes and a local gym.
3,000+ participants raised more than $500,000 bringing total funds raised so far (2011-2017) to 1.25 million dollars.
The first Pong Partner Retreat (held in Thailand in Nov 2017) was a strategic time of planning, vision and collaboration for our South East Asia-based partners.
FUTURE OF THE PONG
In October 2018, it is anticipated that 5,000+ participants will engage in the event with the aim of raising $1,000,000. The campaign will see events taking place for the first time in North America.
The foundational focus of The Pong remains supporting and resourcing our partner organisations in South East Asia in their vital human trafficking/exploitation prevention and aftercare work.
This year’s event in Victor Harbor will be Friday 2nd November 4.00 pm – Saturday 3 November 4.00 p.m.