Pack for a Purpose
At Avandra we believe in transformative travel experiences that are an exponential force of good in the world. One way to do this is to provide fun and creative manners for travelers and make a positive impact through charitable giving. And one easy way to do this is by integrating Pack for a Purpose for interested clients.
What is Pack for Purpose?
Frustrated by seeing the needs of communities in popular tourist destinations go unmet, Rebecca Rothney founded Pack for a Purpose in 2010. This organization connects travelers with local projects by providing them with specific lists of needed supplies. Travelers simply dedicate a small portion of their luggage to these items, delivering them to participating accommodations or tour operators who then ensure they reach the intended recipients. Pack for a Purpose has facilitated the delivery of hundreds of thousands of pounds of supplies to communities around the world, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. Rebecca’s vision turned a simple act of packing into a powerful tool for positive change.
How does it work?
Pack for a Purpose provides detailed "Needs Lists" on their website for each participating project, ensuring travelers bring items that are truly needed and appropriate for the local context. While there's no strict limit on the amount of supplies you can bring, Pack for a Purpose recommends starting with around 5 lbs (2.27 kg) to ensure it fits comfortably within your luggage allowance. However, travelers are welcome to bring more if they can manage it. The emphasis is on utilizing existing luggage space rather than incurring additional baggage fees.
Pack for a Purpose operates through a network of participating accommodations and tour operators on six of the seven continents. These partners act as collection points, receiving donations from travelers and ensuring their delivery to the designated community projects. This system ensures transparency and accountability, with partners required to report annually on the weight of supplies received. Direct delivery to the projects by travelers is generally discouraged to avoid disrupting their schedules and maintain security, especially in sensitive locations like orphanages and schools.
Additional Ripple Effects for the Environment
By donating used supplies to Pack for Purpose you can help divert waste from landfills, mitigating pollution and its harmful consequences. Reusing donated items reduces the demand for new production, conserving precious natural resources and energy. This practice actively promotes sustainable consumption patterns, encouraging a shift away from disposable culture and towards a more circular economy.
How does Avandra Partner?
When choosing to organize your travel with Avandra, we can seamlessly integrate Pack for a Purpose into your group’s travel experience. We work with participating accommodations and tour operators to facilitate the collection and delivery of your donations. Whether you're traveling solo or with a large group, Avandra can help you identify local projects that align with your interests and ensure your contributions make a meaningful impact. We can also assist with logistics, such as coordinating larger donations or arranging drop-off points, making it easy for you to “Pack for a Purpose” and give back while you explore the world.