It’s been a busy year for Pack for a Purpose at The Ritz Village in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, where we support several local children’s organizations. We have received many donations from a host of Pack for a Purpose international travelers who have stayed with us at The Ritz Village. But it doesn’t stop there! The two stories I would like to share with you come from contributors who either stayed at a neighboring hotel or visited Curacao for the day by cruise ship. These stories are great examples of travelers contributing to the program in special ways.
Our first story comes from Mr. and Mrs. Winck who were visiting from Germany and wanted to contribute to Pack for a Purpose in Curacao! We were happy to receive their donations from the neighboring hotel they where they were staying. They brought many things, including soccer uniforms and equipment and school supplies. These donations were perfectly matched to Kinderoord Brakkeput where there are about 60 young boys from ages 8 through 21 years old, who gratefully accepted these donations. Perhaps a future World Cup star will come from Curacao as a result! We all thank the Wincks for their much appreciated donations!
Our second story comes from Danuta and Arely who contacted us several months before arriving in Curacao on their cruise ship vacation. Since they only had one day to visit Curacao, we planned to meet them at the cruise ship terminal to receive their donations. They happily made time to visit with us and meet our staff! Many of their donations went to Casa Manita where there are 38 children, boys from ages 4 through 8 years old and girls from ages 4 through 14 years old. We all thank Arely and Danuta for their wonderful visit and donations!
Even without knowing much about the receiving projects, many of our guests still arrive with generous donations. At St. Joesph House and Rose Pelletier there are 57 children; boys from ages 4 through 13 years old and girls from ages 4 through 18 years old. Anything you decide to bring from the specific needs lists on the Pack for a Purpose website, new or gently used, is appreciated by this varied group of children!
Many of our contributors pick the cause closest to their heart. A lovely donation of baby and teen mother articles was happily received by Kas Brother Pius. This is a very special home for teen moms that are ages 14 through 18 years old and their babies. The house has only ten girls at any time and focuses on teaching the skills that will result in success in school, life and parenting.
It’s rewarding for The Ritz Village to be a part of such a great program. Our staff truly appreciates the opportunity to make contact with these outstanding travelers and the local organizations that take care of the children. The generosity of our guests and travelers just passing through is greatly appreciated. 2018 has been a great year and as the New Year approaches, we look forward to holiday season and a new year to continue to support our local Pack for a Purpose children!