Pack for a Purpose

Okay, so maybe this post isn’t specifically about Spain, but we feel Pack for a Purpose is well worthy of a mention. We all travel either on holiday or business at some point don’t we?

Contrary to the popular belief of some even those us who live in Spain venture out sometimes. Often the more adventurous travellers end up in regions where the population is far less fortunate than us.

Our good friend (and travel agent) Phil came to visit us recently and the charity ‘Pack for a Purpose’ cropped up in conversation. It’s an incredibly simple and effective way to help needy communities. Founded during 2009 in North Carolina by Rebecca Rothney the charity has helped many thousands of people so far. The way the initiative works is simplicity itself…

Pack with a Purpose have built up a huge network of partners made up of hotels and other accommodation providers as well as many travel and tour companies. These act as distribution points so travellers going to the regions where there are supported projects. All you need to do is pack a few little extras before you leave home.

What you need to do to take part is…

1. check the map on their site showing the destinations at which need your help
2. select one of the partners in the region (each has a list of the items needed)
3. pack a few of the items in your luggage
4. drop them off whilst you are there and the partners distribute the much needed supplies

…it really is all that simple.

Projects supported cover various areas including education, health, child welfare, development and animal welfare and each region and project has request lists on the site. Anything form school supplies and children’s clothing through to tools and equipment on to medical supplies and equipment as well as many other items. Each set of requirement is tailored to the specific needs of local communities.

If we’re going anywhere now I’ll always check their site before leaving, and I hope you’ll think about doing it too after reading this!

Alan Gandy

Alan, along with Elle, is the owner of Spain Buddy. He was born in the North of England (Lancashire) and travelled extensively before eventually settling in Almería. Alan has 3 sons from the first of his 18 marriages, (Sam, Joe & Ben) who are all now adults. You can read more articles by Alan on his personal blog at AlanGandy.com and see more of his photography on his photography website as well as on Flickr and Instagram.
Also, for less than the price of a cup of coffee each month you can help support Alan’s photography (and get some freebies into the bargain). Click here to visit his Patreon page to find out more.