PfaP Blog

Alison and Steven Phillips's Story

2013-05-25T09:03:11Z

When my husband and I were planning our trip to Africa, I came across an article in the "Costco Connection" about Pack with a Purpose. I immediately informed my husband ,as I thought it was an absolutely great way to give to those in need. I contacted Rebecca Rothney, of Pack with a Purpose ,and within no time I made arrangements to donate to the Little Eden Society in Gauteng South Africa. Everyone was so helpful in making a beautiful thing happen, including the African Rock Hotel where my husband and I were staying. They agreed to have their driver stop by the Little Eden Society so we could drop off our donation.
My husband and I brought two additional carry-on bags of clothing and toiletries, along with two bags we checked in. Unfortunately, our bags didn't make it to South Africa when we did. We were able to still donate our two carry-on bags to the Little Eden Society, though the other two bags were shipped to the Zula Nyala Game Lodge, where we spent the first part of our vacation. After talking to our safari guide he arranged to have our donations taken to the Mbonise School. My husband and I were sorry we were unable to deliver all the donations to the Little Eden Society, though it was good to know they were able to be used by others in need.
I would like to thank Rebecca Rothney of Pack with a Purpose, Nichollette Muthige from the Little Eden Society , Collette from The African Rock Hotel and James from the Peech Hotel for making this happen. I have been spreading the news to others and my husband and I will always "pack with a purpose".

Alison and Steven Phillips

"PfaP" Joy in Jamaica

2013-05-17T17:37:00Z

By Harriet Seymore

It was a pleasure for our family to work with Pack for a Purpose and the Sandals Foundation to coordinate our donation of 75 pounds of school supplies. We donated them to Hastings Elementary School in Trelawny Parish when we visited Jamaica last March.

My three kids were very involved and did most of the work. Using the list provided by Sandals Foundation, they began by collecting school supplies from their friends at school. Then they sorted, counted and packed the supplies themselves. It was really great to have my kids see this through, from collecting the 75 pounds of supplies to actually physically donating them and having an opportunity to spend time with the children who will use them.

We had an opportunity to visit 1st and 6th grade classrooms while we were there, and the kids had the chance to play together at recess. My seven-year-old Ashten said, "Wow, I did not think they would be so fast. That was fun." The school was so appreciative of the supplies and the time we spent with the schoolchildren. They were so beautiful and fun. Even the trip through the countryside to get to Hasting's was a treat. Sandals Foundation is really doing a great thing, and they have the most enthusiastic and professional person in charge: Khadine.

My kids really learned that no matter how much or how little you have, children are children and like to laugh and play and have fun. My thirteen-year-old Maya said, "I was scared at first because I didn't know how the kids would react, but all the kids were really sweet and I feel like I did the right thing. I wish we could have stayed longer to play with the kids," and my ten-year-old Kendal said, "I did not want to go to school while I was on vacation, but I had so much fun at their school. It was really fun collecting and counting all of the supplies. I can't wait to do this again."

This was the highlight of our spring break. It provided us an opportunity to give back to Jamaica in exchange for enjoying their beautiful island. We encourage you to consider this the next time you travel. Pack for a Purpose partners with resorts around the world, and I can't wait for our next trip.

Pack for a Purpose Nominated for The Guardian's Observer Ethical Award

2013-05-17T00:26:50Z

Pack for a Purpose is honoured to be among the best and brightest people, places and organizations bringing sustainable change, as a finalist in The Guardian's eighth Observer Ethical Awards.

Today, May 16, 2013, The Guardian announced the final list of nominees for the prestigious award. The final winners will be announced on June 13, 2013 at the annual event in London, which has been called 'the Green Oscars.'

There are ten award categories and the shortlist is decided by a mix of votes and judged decisions. Pack for a Purpose has been nominated in the Travel category; along with Unseen Tours, a unique enterprise in London which offers walking tours led by homeless guides; and Village Ways, which offers guided walking tours and stays in village communities.

This year's awards have attracted a record-breaking number of votes from the general public. "Our finalists are all proven change-makers, squaring up to the environmental and social justice battles we all face and coming up with real solutions," said Lucy Siegle, awards founder and chair of the judging panel.

The Observer Ethical Awards celebrate and support the standout campaigns, breakthrough business ideas, people and initiatives which make sustainable change and social justice a reality.

For the full list of nominees and more information about The Observer Ethical Awards, see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/gnm-press-office/observer-ethical-awards-announce-shortlist-for-2013

Cathy Cares and Connects

2013-05-03T13:57:49Z

By Cathy Platin of Bend, Oregon

My husband and I just returned from a three week trip to the Yucatan and Quintana Roo in Mexico. We have been there many times before, but this was our first time staying at Hacienda Chichen, which borders the famous ruins of Chichén Itzá. It is a beautiful place and is committed to sustainable/eco tourism. It was on the hotel's website that I noticed the Mayan Foundation in Laakeech, which is a volunteer organization to help local Mayan children and women with nutrition programs and schooling. It has a new health clinic, preschool and boarding school in Xcalacoop for children whose parents work on the tourist coast of the Riviera Maya. There are about 65 children who sleep and eat at the school and go to a village school during the day, and their parents return for them every Friday to be with them on the weekends.

I soon found a link to Pack for a Purpose on the Hacienda's website, which was connected to the Mayan Foundation. On it were suggestions for donations to bring to the school in Xcalacoop. I quickly began assembling vitamins, clothes, school supplies and whatever was on the list as most needed. Whole Foods in our town of Bend, Oregon, very generously donated a bag of vitamins and were very happy to help out. I scoured thrift stores and picked out the best quality dresses, shirts, pants, baseball caps (a huge hit) and games I could find. I also found many small items to purchase at Costco, like large packs of playing cards, pencils, notebooks, underwear, socks (not needed as most of the kids wore sandals or no shoes at all) and barrettes for the girls.

I put all the donations in a large duffel bag, and 45 pounds later we were off to the Cancun airport. The customs agent stopped us to inquire what the "rice" looking objects were in our bag (vitamins), and I just smiled, opened the duffel bag and spoke of the school we were giving donations to. She grinned and let us through with no problem.

We hosted a dinner for the kids one night while we were there, as on the volunteer web site, they spoke of helping with a special meal. The head cook at the Hacienda drove us to Xcalacoop where we were greeted by dozens of smiling, affectionate and excited children. They were so happy to have us there. They held my hand, kissed me and carried my bag from place to place.

My heart flung so wide open that it felt like it was almost breaking. The children proudly showed me their school vegetable garden, walked me into their dormitory, which was covered in hammocks, and giggled and laughed with us. They loved having their pictures taken. We sat down in the dining room and ate a delicious meal together. Afterwards, the director lined all the children up, opened the duffel bag of donations and began passing out the things we had brought. I wish we had been able to bring more, but everyone got something. The baseball caps were a HUGE hit.

We left the school after many hours with hugs, kisses and muchas gracias from all of them. They surrounded our car to wave goodbye, and I found my heart breaking a little again. I will return to volunteer there as soon as I can, as this small effort on our part to bring donations meant the world to them. If the truth be known, WE received the biggest gift, which was to be part of their lives for this short time. Thank you to Pack For a Purpose and Hacienda Chichen for all the work they are doing to help local children and families. It is a gift to be an ambassador, and I am very grateful for having had this opportunity. I encourage others to try it. It will change your life.

Jack & Marilee Eldridge's Story

2013-04-30T16:28:56Z

While planning our February/March trip to Costa Rica, I came across the Pack for a Purpose website and then I went shopping! We took a full suitcase of school supplies in backpacks - one for a school in Quepos and one for an orphanage near the Springs Hotel. In Quepos we stayed at the fabulous Parador Hotel and we were fortunate indeed when they invited us to the school where the supplies were going to. Escuala Anita was a small shool of 6 students far out of town. The kids were so excited for the supplies we brought them. My husband Jack, showed them a picture of our own grandchildren in 3 feet of snow and they then looked up Winnipeg, Manitoba on the computer. I have to say that this was a highlight of our trip. If you are going to the Parador - the kids could use sports equipment.

"Little People Big World" Make Big Impact

2013-04-19T14:00:00Z

By Carlos Coriano

Since opening our doors in 1993, Parador Resort & Spa in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, has inspired travelers to protect, recycle, respect and honor precious resources at home and beyond, a fact that recently earned our hotel the coveted Platinum Award for "Leader in Sustainable Tourism" from National Geographic Traveler Magazine and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

The global initiative Pack for a Purpose caught our attention the minute we heard about their work encouraging travelers to use available space in their luggage to provide supplies to the communities they visit. Just five pounds (2.27 kilos) can make a world of difference. We joined forces with them and today, thanks to our generous guests, the kids of the Anita and Quebrada Arroyo Primary School and the El Negro Primary School are smiling as they learn. The children in our area have now been blessed with the pencils, notebooks and books they needed to enhance their education, social skills and lives.

Recently, our resort had the honor of hosting the VIP crew from "Little People Big World" who filmed an entire episode about the Roloff family on a visit to Costa Rica.

To our surprise, Amy Roloff, an early education teacher, her son Zachary's girlfriend Victoria Patton, who's studying to be an elementary school teacher, and Molly Roloff, a Spanish major in college, took the opportunity to deliver the supplies to the schools and spend some time with the students.

This is what we call making a lasting impact on the lives of children! Would you like to join us? Click here to learn more about what supplies you can bring: http://www.packforapurpose.org/docs/countries/costa-rica/parador-resort-and-spa.shtml

Ibex Expeditions Inspires India "PfaPers"

2013-04-05T12:52:25Z

By Anita Singh Soin, Director, Ibex Expeditions, India

Four years ago, Ibex Expeditions, an eco tours, adventure and luxury travel company in India, was approached by People & Places, UK, as the reliable partner to start their Responsible Volunteering programme in India. We are not simply travel partners; we became the project management team to identify worthy, needy projects and to engage in their needs and future plans.

The concept and commitment sounded challenging. India is large, but we did not hesitate. 'Giving back' has been part of the ethos of all our trips--be it by way of disposing garbage responsibly from our mountain expeditions or supporting wildlife conservation --and in our lives personally too.

When Pack for a Purpose and Ibex made contact, it seemed the perfect way to continue efforts and strengthen our commitment to the community.

With the wide gap between village and urban environments, we needed to be sure of how this would be perceived by both entities. Though Ibex was committed, we had to, at first, negotiate cultural and local sensitivities.

The next step was to give what was needed to the right project. The school for the deaf and mute in Delhi told us that the children were excellent in art as their energies were directed towards non-aural forms of communication; the girls school in a remote village in Rajasthan wanted sewing kits; the village school in Deogarh, Rajasthan, needed stationery items; the village schools close to Central India in Kanha National park needed drawing items. It was wonderful.

On the subject of charitable giving, we have seen that the importance lies on how well to give rather than how much to give. Pack for a Purpose's philosophy of "Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact." is evident in the donations presented to us in India and the long way they have gone.

In just the first few months of 2013, we have received almost 100 pounds of items for village children. We owe a big thanks to Pam Caldwell (17lbs), Lisa Larsen Hill (16 lbs), Paulette (15 lbs), and Joanne Lee (32 lbs) from the US and Ericka Baron (18 lbs) from Canada who donated generously.

The smiles on their faces, and the creativity this has inspired, have made this another meaningful way to support our local communities and reaffirm our company philosophy.

CornerStone Staffing's Story

2013-04-03T19:07:54Z

By Debra Hill, Senior Operations Manager, CornerStone Staffing

In February, during a trip to Mexico's beautiful Fairmont Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, several of us at CornerStone Staffing packed for a purpose so that we could make an impact on the community we were visiting with a meaningful contribution.

We identified two groups we wanted to make donations to: "Save the Children in the Riviera Maya" and the "Playa Animal Rescue."

We received donations from colleagues and local retail stores as well as discounts from some of our vendors to help stretch our resources. All items were packed in seven large duffle bags weighing in at 50 lbs each. The airline even donated some of the cost associated with shipping the duffle bags.

Items that were donated to Playa Animal Rescue included toys, bowls, collars, leashes, bedding, grooming supplies and non-beef treats. Beef treats were also packed but did not make it through the Cancun Airport. Items that were donated to Save the Children in the Riviera Maya included school supplies, games, crayons, pens and pencils.

This is definitely an experience that the colleagues of CornerStone Staffing will always remember! We are looking forward to our next colleague trip where we can "Pack for a Purpose" again.

Donations from CornerStone Staffing (left), Presentation of Donations to Playa Animal Resume at Reception (right)

Steve and Lorna Payne's Story

2013-04-02T21:40:57Z

We think "Pack with a Purpose" is a splendid scheme.

We have often in the past found ourselves in a situation where we have said "if only we had known... " because we had visited a school or similar establishment and would have loved to do something to help but, beyond a pack of pens or pencils taken on spec., we had nothing to offer.

Thanks to your scheme, which we found through your partner Caribtours, we were able to pack some 3 kilos of things for the community project supported by the Landings in the knowledge that they were just what was needed and that they would be well used - what was actually needed, not what we though might come in handy. And handing it over to people who would see it safely to its destination could not have been easier.

We packed with confidence !

Ericka Baron's Story

2013-03-29T03:27:49Z

Families coming together to help children in India

Traveling gives us the gift to explore our magnificent world, meet new people and live extraordinary experiences. It also opens our eyes to the challenging circumstances that many people live daily to meet their basic needs and have access to education.

As my friend Laura and I prepared for our adventure to India, we asked ourselves how we could make a meaningful contribution to help meet the needs of those in the country that we would be visiting. After stumbling upon the "Pack for a Purpose" website we could not think of a better idea than loading our suitcases with much needed school supplies for a primary school for under-privileged children in rural India.

With the help of parents from Parksites Preschool we received generous bags full of school and art supplies. In addition, St. John Fisher Elementary School held a used book sale and $100.00 from the proceeds was donated to buy additional supplies. It was nice to see how happy our community's families were to help and contribute to such a worthy cause and to be a part of giving back to those as far away as India.

When we dropped off our donations, we were warmly received by Anita and Mandip Singh Soin, the owners of Ibex Expeditions and a partner of "Pack for a Purpose." Over chai, we learned about the different community-based educational programs that Ibex Expeditions helps to support across India, specifically Chitardai Upper Primary School in a rural Rajasthan that serves over 300 children from ages 5 to 15 years old. We were glad to know that our donations will be well used and enjoyed by the children of this school.

Participating in the "Pack for a Purpose" program was certainly a highlight of our trip. It gave us the opportunity to have a meaningful connection with India by giving back to a Country that gave us many enriching experiences and unlimited kindness.

The Jeffs' Family Story

2013-03-29T00:20:39Z

In February we spent a week in Mexico, where we dropped off a Pack for a Purpose donation at the Fairmont Mayakoba. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to give help where it is needed. It was also a great way to involve our son, he helped choose, pack the items and was in charge of wheeling the suitcase.

This is such a great idea. I will recommend it to all my friends before they travel.

The Yost Family Story

2013-03-29T00:20:00Z

Thank you to all of our friends who helped us collect 73 pairs of prescription eyeglasses which the boys delivered to Nihiwatu where they distributed them with The Sumba Foundation in Indonesia. They spent a day giving eye exams and helping the villagers find the right eyeglasses.

"PfaPers" Provide Supplies for Song Saa

2013-03-22T13:21:00Z

By Dr. Wayne McCallum, Director of the Song Saa Foundation

Experience from Song Saa Private Island, in tropical Southwest Cambodia, has revealed how 'Packing for a Purpose' is about more than helping others, it is also about a way of thinking, as the resort's Wayne McCallum recounts below:

In the village of Prek Svay, on the island of Koh Rong, it sometimes takes only a little to make a difference!

With the humble schoolbook, pen and bag being a notable financial commitment, even for the average family, it is gratifying to see what a change these materials, supplied through the Pack for a Purpose initiative, can make to the lives of local children.

Working this way - nurturing the capacity of local communities - lies at the heart of Song Saa's soul and spirit.

A luxury resort, in the Koh Rong archipelago, we are the first five-star development in the region. Given this we have taken seriously the responsibility of 'treading lightly' and ensuring that we work to improve the lives of those around us.

In this quest, Pack for a Purpose has been a perfect partner, offering a means for our guests to join with the resort's efforts to help our nearby neighbors.

So simple! Yet so effective!

Explaining the impact of donations from Pack for a Purpose, local schoolteacher Morm Sarith, is keen to express the impact that it has on her student's enthusiasm to learn:

" These materials are very useful for the students, because if they have enough books and school materials they will feel more confident, and they will pay more attention and study harder."

For lower school pupil Phorn Srey Own, a recent gift of a school bag was particularly exciting.

" I am very happy when I received the school bag; now I can bring all of my books to class and I do not have to worry about them getting wet or dirty. It is also good for my family, as I do not need to ask money from my parents to buy new things for school. So my parents can use this money to buy food and medicine for our family."

Comments from our guests reveal that the benefits of participating in Pack for a Purpose do not stop here.

Several have recounted how the process of deciding what to bring and then purchasing it has helped them to appreciate the everyday needs of those in a developing country.

Which goes to show that Pack for a Purpose is more than a way of helping; it is also a way of thinking - a way that perfectly aligns with our philosophy at Song Saa Private Island.

Clients Contribute at My Costa Rica

2013-03-08T12:17:06Z

By Jason Bateman of My Costa Rica tours

Holiday Donations - Clients Packing for a Purpose!

This holiday season My Costa Rica, in an effort to support sustainable and responsible tourism, began accepting charitable donations from our clients for a local orphanage. This initiative, part of the Pack for a Purpose program, gives our clients an opportunity to bring much needed school supplies, clothes, toys and other items to children in need. The response has been amazing and we are proud to say that in December and January we received 83 pounds (37.73 kilos) of charitable donations from our clients.

Helping Underprivileged Children

The work began by picking a charitable organization that needed some help that we could support. We chose SOS Children's Villages because of their longstanding reputation worldwide of working with orphaned children. This organization is committed to do whatever it takes to help their kids have the best possible childhood experience, but they are underfunded and need our help. It really is an incredible program, providing children who do not have parents to provide for them with a home and supportive environment. The children are supported by "families" within the organization, which help them experience love, learn about respect, and feel safe. These families as well as the entire organization help with the development of these children until they have enough confidence and stability to go off on their own. My Costa Rica is proud to make a monthly monetary donations to SOS Children's Villages as well encouraging our clients to support this organization through the Pack for a Purpose program.

What our Friends and Clients Brought

We received all types of donations and we wanted to mention specifically a few of our favorites. A few travelers, Kelly Buda and Drew Lederman among others, went out of their way and found us on-line and got in touch with us to drop off their donations. Our own client Joe Ratti arrived to Costa Rica with reading glasses, and Jeremy Waen donated soccer balls, as he helps with an amazing organization that donates soccer equipment all over the world! A representative from SOS Children's Villages came to our office to pick up this impressive pile of markers, clothing, backpacks, sheets, towels, pens, kitchen utensils, you name it. All of this part of the Pack for a Purpose Initiative and thanks to the support of our clients!

An Amazing Impact!

What an amazing impact our friends and clients have made on these children's lives, and we are hoping for so much more! For a lot of us, it is hard to understand how much of an impact one small gesture can make. We see the results first hand here, and it is truly remarkable. To see first hand and to hear about the impact these donations are having on the lives of children in need is truly remarkable. We again want to thank those of you who have donated, and encourage all of you still coming to Costa Rica to keep the donations coming! Again, Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact.

Lisa and James's Story

2013-03-08T03:35:54Z

While preparing for a trip to the Galapagos Islands in January 2013, we combed through details on the Ecoventura website regarding the National Park, activities, accommodations, itinerary and suggestions about what to bring. When we came across Pack For a Purpose, we felt compelled to make our own contributions. My husband and I took two packs with us to the Galapagos: office/school supplies and medical supplies, some of which were generously donated by my friend, Teresa Tincopa, NP. We placed labels from the web site on each and gave them to Pablo Salas, Captain of the Letty, our home for the week. Naturalist Ivan Lopez was quite familiar with Pack for a Purpose, and he addressed it in our evening lectures. While we did not have the opportunity to visit on-site, we felt our small efforts were appreciated.Many, many thanks for development of a visionary program, Rebecca. It is so easy to make a wee difference!