Ker & Downey "Give Back" - Ideas for ways you can help, too
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 impact into the lives of a community.
- 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, hoping for a better life and desperate to escape the poverty, hopelessness, and despair that has followed them their whole lives. Families have been torn apart. They live in primitive housing, if any, and have neither indoor plumbing nor a nearby water well to use for basic sustenance. IChooseYou Ministries' purpose is to provide the Karamojong children of Namatala with relief from overwhelming social, economic, and spiritual poverty. By equipping the Karamojong tribe with basic necessities including food, water, education, and a relationship with Christ, the rampant destitution can be eliminated to provide a new hope for those who desperately need it. Visit the website to learn more and sponsor a child's education today.
- Manna From Heaven - A community outreach program based in Botswana whose mission it 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. You can also read about Baby Lauren, who was adopted by the entire Ker & Downey staff! Learn about her sad past, but rejoice in her bright future.
- Wildlife Direct Virunga Gorilla Project - From war, to poachers to the charcoal mafia, this privately funded cause works closely with local rangers to protect the gorilla families in the Virunga National Park. The gorilla families face perile each day. Poachers have killed or stolen many of the animals. Some are simply hapless victims of the madness of war. The need is dire - from new shoes and uniforms for the rangers, medical supplies for veterinarians who volunteer their time, to shelter and food for the orphaned gorillas, Ker & Downey employees do what they can by volunteering a payroll deduction. Visit the website and learn about the rangers, their love for these amazing animals and the devotion of these men who risk their lives daily (and some who have lost the battle), so that the gorillas will have a future that is certain.
- 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 of her travels! Jamie Bell goes shopping at her local discount store 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 children as many of the rural schools have little or no supplies to help educate the children. 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.
Let Ker & Downey Help - If you would like to make a cash donation, let Ker & Downey help. Contact us and we'll make sure 100% of your donation goes to the charity or project that has the most need.
