Passports with Purpose – 2 Libraries + 1 Slice of Paradise
We love Passports with Purpose (PwP). It’s a giving back initiative that’s guided by the belief that travel can change the world. Pretty cool. And very true.
Back in 2008, the PwP crew raised about $7,500 for Heifer International. In 2009, they surpassed their goal and raised $30,000 to build a school in Cambodia. Last year, our first year of involvement, we helped to blow past the $50,000 goal in order to build a village (yep, a village) in rural India via a partnership with Friends of Lafti (LAFTI).
Since Giving back and travel are both big parts of what our No Vacation Required (NVR) lifestyle is all about, we jumped at the chance to help out again in 2011. This year, the goal is to build two libraries in Zambia.
If you’ve spent time hanging around here, you know that Zambia holds a special place in our hearts. A few years back, we visited Zambia, and it was the single biggest trigger for us to change our world. Zambian people exude a warmth and hope that belies the struggle that so many of them face day after day.
We’re happy to share that PwP has partnered with Room to Read as the 2011 beneficiary. The goal is to raise $80,000 to build those two libraries in southern and eastern Zambia through Room to Read’s Reading Room program. Funds raised for the libraries will cover the costs of constructing the buildings, all the library resources such as books and educational materials, teacher training and three years of support.
We’re joining over 100 other bloggers who have all secured fantastic prizes. Blog readers (that’s you) have the opportunity to check out the assortment of prizes. Then, for each $10 donation to Room to Read, you get entered into a drawing for the prize(s) of your choice. It’s simple. More on that below.
As if we weren’t happy enough to be supporting Zambia, this year our prize sponsor is, once again, the Grand Hyatt Kauai. As we said last year…
This place is special. Wait a minute. Not merely special – extraordinary. For starters, it really is picture perfect. Immediately upon entering the beachfront paradise, you feel as though you have stepped into a postcard. Never mind the fact that the setting you’ll see (as you gaze out to the ocean from the lobby) is framed just like a postcard.
The elegant – yet comfortable – decor and warm wood accents immediately transport you to a place of peace and relaxation. Add to that: top notch rooms, endless amenities, a water wonderland and a bliss-inducing space and you’ve got one incredible place.
In support of PwP, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is offering a certificate good for a two night stay (valued at around $1,000). There are some blackout periods, but the certificate can be used through 11/30/2012.
Do you have $10 to spare? Want the warm feeling that comes with giving back? Follow these steps:
1.Head on over to the prize catalog / donation page.
2.Select the prize from the Grand Hyatt Kauai (and/or whichever strikes your fancy) and make your tax deductible donation via PayPal for a chance to win.
3.Hold tight. Prize winners will be announced in late December.
Check out the PwP website for full details and shoot us an e-mail if you have questions or want our recommendations for how to make the most of your stay on Kauai or at the Grand Hyatt.
Aloha!
Twitter: thetravelchica
I had heard of this group but had no idea how much money they have raised. Happy you guys are participating.
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Twitter: Almostbohemian
This is a movement! I like how it hits right into your soft spots! Travel, culture, and helping others. This is all life should be!
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Twitter: walkaboutc
I will go right now and make a donation! Thanks! You ARE my inspiration for giving back!
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Twitter: pipedreamjunkiehttp
I just donated! ^_^
Twitter: backpackerbrock
Glad to see you to are on the PWP train again. Such a superb initiative! Here’s to 80 G’s!
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Twitter: jimshu2000
Great to see you guys involved in this again. I may even bid for your prize…and if I win I’ll auction it off. I won a prize last year then sold it on and donated the money to Chobe Wildlife Rescue. Yeay for PWP!
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Twitter: vagabond3live
Great prize, guys! Really love this program and happy to participate any way I can.
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