Always looking to give back whenever I travel, I tend to work with organizations that will ensure my contributions will have a direct impact on the communities I visit. I heard about the organization Pack for a Purpose many years ago and how it has revolutionized travel philanthropy. Urging adventurers to make a big impact with small gestures, the concept is simple: allow some extra space in your luggage for essential supplies requested by local communities at your destination. From school materials to medical necessities, every item packed becomes a lifeline for those in need. So, instead of generic donations, travelers are provided with precise lists of requested items, ensuring that their contributions align with the actual needs of the community.
“Gratitude and graciousness pack easily. They take up no space but expand exponentially once delivered at a destination,” says Rebecca Rothney, founder and chairperson of Pack for a Purpose. Rothney founded the organization in 2010 on the principle of responsible tourism, ensuring travelers leave a lasting footprint of positivity wherever they roam. Pack for a Purpose travelers have taken more than 467,000 pounds of supplies to 50 countries, benefiting over 400 community projects. “We believe that when you pack for a purpose, the trip you take goes farther than the miles you travel,” says Rothney.
The initiative has grown into a global movement, with hundreds of participating accommodations and destinations across the world. In an increasingly interconnected world, Pack for a Purpose exemplifies how small actions can make a big difference.
To learn more, please visit packforapurpose.org.
"We believe that when you Pack for a Purpose, the trip you take goes farther than the miles you travel.”
– Rebecca Rothney, founder and chairperson, Pack for a Purpose