MIAMI, FL, Feb. 16, 2011 – Ecoventura, the green cruise company operating a fleet of small expedition vessels in the Galapagos region, has teamed up with Pack for a Purpose, a charitable organization whose mission encourages travelers to save room in their travel luggage for five pounds of school or medical supplies that can make a difference to communities they’re visiting.
What a traveler is recommended to bring is determined in advance with the tour operator. Pack with a Purpose works with top tour operators from around the world. For example, in the Galapagos, Ecoventura’s team notes that one youth organization needs computer equipment, digital cameras, scanners, a sound system, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, English teaching books, English/Spanish dictionaries, software and ecology-focused teaching aids. Another organization for physically and mentally challenged children needs puzzles, rubber balls, crayons, modeling clay and colored pencils.
Doris Welsh, Ecoventura’s Director of Sales & Marketing, said that participation in Pack with a Purpose is aligned with the company’s community outreach and conservation mission programs.
“We invite people to ask us what they need to pack,” she said, adding 400 pencils and five deflated soccer balls can add up five pounds to help poor communities. She suggested that through Ecoventura Yachts – Ecuador // Pack For A Purpose, travelers can also free up space while they’re at the destination to purchase handicrafts they can bring home with them, thereby helping the economy and people in another way.
As one of the most ecology-minded and socially responsible tour companies in Ecuador, based in San Cristobal, Ecoventura has helped to support various initiatives that benefit the local population living in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. With a population of 5,600, San Cristobal has the second largest population in the Islands after Santa Cruz. It is the fifth largest island and the only Island with fresh water and an airport in town.
Through the foundation “Gotitas de Esperanza” (Drops of Hope), Ecoventura has pledged to sponsor the salaries for teachers and physical therapists who work at the Alejandro Alvear School located on San Cristobal Island. During the day, the school provides therapy for children with Down’s Syndrome and other physical disabilities. In the evenings, the school serves the adult population of the Island through programs such as teaching sign language for the hearing impaired.
