Africa is where Ker & Downey's story began, and it's a continent that continues to enrich our lives every day. Our passion for travel goes hand in hand with our commitment to serve impoverished communities worldwide. Through Ker & Downey for Africa, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit philanthropic arm, we embrace our responsibility to co-create a world where communities and our planet can flourish together.

Our Mission

Ker & Downey for Africa provides love, healing, and hope to communities across the continent by distributing food, clothing, cash donations, and medical supplies to those in need. We believe that travel, when done right, can break down barriers and create lasting positive change.

How We Started

Shortly after 9/11 and the economic downturn that followed, David Marek, president of Ker & Downey, recognized that the need was much greater than our existing efforts could address. This realization led to the expansion of our philanthropic work and the creation of Ker & Downey for Africa. 

Fighting Malaria, One Net at a Time

One of our most vital initiatives focuses on malaria prevention through mosquito net distribution. This disease remains a devastating threat in Sub-Saharan Africa, claiming one million lives annually, with children under five representing the majority of victims. The solution is both simple and powerful: a $7 insecticide-treated mosquito net lasts three years and can protect up to four children. Ker & Downey matches every net donation, doubling the impact of each contribution. To date, we've distributed more than 90,000 mosquito nets, directly saving thousands of young lives.

Our Impact on the Ground

Through medical mission trips to Uganda and Kenya, we provide critical healthcare services to rural communities where access to medical care is limited. For many residents, our visits represent the only opportunity to see a doctor all year. Our comprehensive medical missions include:

• Blood testing and diagnostic services
• Medical and dental treatment
• Life-threatening surgeries
• Distribution of prescription medications and reading glasses
• Mobile medical clinics in remote areas

Creating Ripples of Change: The Ripples Foundation

We're proud to support the Ripples Foundation, a Ugandan-based charity that embodies the belief that while one person may not create substantial societal impact alone, joint efforts through acts of love and kindness create a greater ripple effect throughout communities.

The Ripples Foundation focuses on four key areas:

• Education Sponsorship: Supporting vulnerable children with schooling and educational supplies
• Jaja's Project: Providing care and support for elderly community members
• Home of Hope: A specialized facility in Jinja dedicated to caring for paraplegic children
• Torro Babies Home: A nurturing environment for 50 children, mostly under age four

Through our partnership with Ripples Foundation, Ker & Downey has sponsored 24 students to receive education and school supplies over the years. Many of these children have gone on to attend university and post-graduate trade schools, breaking cycles of poverty and creating new opportunities for their families and communities.

Supporting Botswana's Most Vulnerable: Bana Ba Letsatsi

In Northern Botswana, we partner with Bana Ba Letsatsi, a remarkable center founded in 2002 that has become a lifeline for over 250 vulnerable, at-risk, and orphaned children and youth in Maun. Many of these children have never attended school or dropped out early, while others face physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, underage labor, and lack of parental care.

Bana Ba Letsatsi provides a safe haven where children receive education, counseling, food, medical attention, and skills training. The center also addresses basic needs often taken for granted—clothing, shoes, showers, and haircuts—that restore dignity alongside hope.

There is an ever-increasing need to provide critical care, education, and support for vulnerable children in Maun. Because of that, the facilities must grow with it. Ker & Downey is partnering with Bana Ba Letsatsi to raise funds for a new classroom block.  

Looking Forward

From our medical missions in Uganda and Kenya to supporting vulnerable children in Botswana and creating educational opportunities through the Ripples Foundation, our work across Africa continues to transform thousands of lives. We remain dedicated to this vital work and are committed to creating lasting impact wherever the need is greatest.

Your donations help us continue giving back to the countries we love and serve. Together, we can create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond individual lives to strengthen entire communities across Africa.