As we slip into Thanksgiving week (already?), it’s time to take a moment to give thanks for what we, as travelers, experience when we’re on the road.
The mere fact that we can purchase an airplane ticket valued at $600 or more (often FAR more) to travel around the globe, means we are a fortunate lot to begin with. We carry with us our $200 backpack and all our flashpacking gear (still and video cameras, iPhone, Sony Digital Reader, etc.). It’s no wonder that when we land in a developing country, the locals automatically assume we are “rich”. We are.
And, when we encounter the most delightful of people along the road who are living in mud-floor huts with leaky roofs, and we see communities where children have no access to schools, we have a genuine desire to want to do SOMETHING. But what? Giving a small amount of money to a family in need is noble (and shouldn’t be discouraged), but it’s a temporary fix to a long-term problem.
That’s why donating to a charity that can help and influence a community and an entire family for the long-term is an excellent option.
On December 1st, four Seattle-area travel bloggers (Debbie from DeliciousBaby, Michelle from WanderMom, Pam Mandel from Nerd’s Eye View and myself) will be launching a raffle to benefit Heifer International. This is the perfect time for you to take that step towards helping developing communities around the world.
For just $10, you can buy a raffle ticket, choose a prize you’d like to win and know that your money will directly help purchase a buffalo in Nepal, chickens in the Mekong Delta or a cow in India. All to help struggling families.
Since we announced this contest less than two weeks ago, the response from the travel community has been amazing. Participating travel bloggers have approached sponsors and come up with prizes including a 3-night stay at a hotel in Hawaii, a Flip video camera, guidebooks and world music CD’s. The list goes on. Way on. But you’ll have to wait until December 1st to see everything 🙂
Until then, if you’re a blogger and would like to participate, let me know. Otherwise, stay tuned, check back here on December 1st for all the amazing details and be prepared to spend a few ten-notes to support an amazing cause and get yourself some travel goods.
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
Passports with Purpose – Travelbloggers Doing Good
Passports with Purpose – Raffle Info
Photo courtesy: Heifer International
Read my travel blog on at the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
Join other Wanderlusters and help make this the most popular women’s travel blog by subscribing via email or RSS feed.
You can also add this article to popular social networking sites by clicking on the buttons below.
Leave a Reply