Whether your passion for travel takes you to Africa, India, South America, or all points in between, there is one common thread that we all have – a curiosity to see the world and learn about other places, people, and cultures. With over four decades in the travel industry, Ker & Downey has seen first hand how tourism dollars support local and international economies and people. However, not all tourism dollars trickle down to those who need it the most.

It has been our philosophy at Ker & Downey to “give back” in ways that are far more personal and powerful than tourism dollars. Many of our clients, upon their return from their destinations, have asked, “What can we do to help?” Below is a list of organizations we are particularly passionate about as well as some ideas for ways you can make a real, positive impact on the lives in a community.

Give Back with Ker & Downey:

• Pack Extra - Ask any of our sales staff the same question, and you’ll get a different answer. Some like Gana Marek pack their suitcases to the brim with extra clothing. When she arrives, she gives it to our Ker & Downey representative who makes sure her clothing donation gets distributed to those who need it most. An extra benefit is that she has extra room to bring home keepsakes from her travels! Jamie Bell goes shopping at local discount stores and buys several pairs of sneakers in various sizes. Because her passion is the children, she distributes them when she meets a child who could use a new pair of shoes. Cherie Kuykendall likes to pack lots of pencils, crayons, erasers, and other school supplies for the rural schools that have little or no supplies to help educate the children. By packing a little extra to leave where you travel, you can make a very personal and loving memory for not just yourself, but for those whose lives and hearts you touch along the way.

Our Conservation Projects:

SAVE THE STREET CHILDREN

Save Street Children Uganda was founded in 2005 by Mr. Byaruhanga Innocent in response to the growing child neglect and social injustice in the community of Kampala, Uganda. Byaruhanga was himself a street child for nine years, enduring the hardship he now sees on a daily basis… Read More

 

CHEETAH CONSERVATION

The world’s fastest land animal, the cheetah, can reach speeds of 70 mph. It is also the most endangered cat in Africa. As one of Namibia’s leading centers for conservation of the cheetah, CCF provides medical care and rehabilitation to wild cheetahs, and a lifelong safe haven for cheetahs who are unable to return to the wild… Read More

 

ENCOUNTER THE ELEPHANTS

With the ever-increasing human populations, space for an increasing elephant population in Southern Africa has steadily declined. As a result more and more questions on whether an increase in elephant numbers will lead to the ultimate destruction of an area have been asked in recent times… Read More

 

GROOTBOS FOUNDATION – GREEN FUTURES

The story of Green Futures is one of good news and hope in which unemployed people can find a new and exciting future in fynbos landscaping and conservation. Whether staying at Grootbos or not, a tree is planted in Grootbos’ Ker & Downey Forest for each of our clients traveling to South Africa… Read More

 

 

ENDANGERED SPECIES ART

Welcome to the world of A.E. London, her art, and her passion for conservation. Following a different path led her to work for Tippi Hedren, founder of Shambala – a refuge for big cats, elephants, and many others… Read More

 

 

BANA BA LETSATSI

Based in Maun, Northern Botswana, this center supports over 250 vulnerable, at-risk, and orphaned children and youths. Some of the children have never been to school or dropped out early… Read More

 

 

ICHOOSEYOU MINISTRIES

On the outskirts of Mbale, Uganda, lies the small village of Namatala, inhabited by the Karamojong tribe. Over time, more than 700 men, women, and children have migrated here as a last resort… Read More
 

 

MANNA FROM HEAVEN

A community outreach program based in Botswana whose mission is to provide love, healing, and hope to the poor, sick, and terminally ill. Food, clothing, cash donations for orphans, and medical supplies – the need is beyond description… Read More

 
Let Ker & Downey Help – If you would like to make a cash donation, contact us and we’ll make sure 100% of your donation goes to the charity or project that has the most need.