Helping Passports with Purpose Raise Money for Clean Water in Haiti
Those who have ever visited the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) while on vacation would agree that it is a beautiful island with a lot of natural beauty and wonderful people.
For me, growing up there, it was both a unique experience but also one that grounded me on the realities of poverty, because as a resident and the daughter of native Dominicans and Haitians, growing up in a Third World environment glimpse into the struggles of what that reality is like.
As harsh as the struggles due to poverty or lack of infrastructure may seem to those who visit DR, it pales in comparison to the country with whom it shares an island: Haiti. Though I personally never had to carry buckets of water to drink, bathe or cook with, I witnessed it almost daily. It is a life very few of us could ever imagine: the hardship of gathering one of life’s most basic resources – water. But, it’s not just water alone that is important, but clean water. I experienced first hand the dangers of what contaminated water can do to the body upon my moving to the island as a child and ignoring my father’s warnings to be cautious. Fortunately for me, we had access to medication and care, but that is not the case for many who have no way of accessing water in a way that is clean and safe.
That’s why I am very, very excited about joining the efforts to raise money for Passports with Purpose’s 2012 beneficiary Water.org, a non-profit organization founded by Matt Damon and Gary White, with a mission is to provide communities in desperate need with access to safe water and sanitation. Originally known as WaterPartners International in 199o, WaterPartners merged with H2O Africa in 2009, resulting in the launch of Water.org. Water.org also has a microfinance-based venture called The WaterCredit Initiative.
Travel bloggers from all over are joining the cause in helping Passports with a Purpose to raise $100,000 this year. This goal is to build five clean water wells in Haiti out of Water.org’s total project of 20 new wells.
It’s a little personal for me, as this is part of my heritage and my home, but I am hoping that for all of us it is a motivation to come together to help those who need more than what charity alone can offer.
What is Passports with Purpose?
Passports with Purpose is an annual Travel Bloggers’ fundraiser. Founded in 2008, it has since succeeded in garnering the support and assistance from the travel blog community, which has led to building two school libraries in rural Zambia, build a village in India, a school in rural Cambodia, and fund projects for Heifer International. For updates and to follow the conversation, make sure to follow the #PwP hashtag on Twitter. This year’s goal of $100,000 is its most ambitious to date. I believe that together, we can do it!
Girl Gone Travel prize for Passports with Purpose 2012: Two-night stay at any Conrad Hotel & Resort worldwide
I am thrilled to say that I have partnered with Conrad Hotel and Resorts, which is donating two certificates for one night stay each at any Conrad Hotel & Resort worldwide.
Conrad Hotels and Resorts are proud of the way in which each destination uniquely defines luxury. They are located throughout five continents, including some of the world’s greatest gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations.
I will be staying at the Conrad New York this weekend with my own family and look forward to sharing with you the many ways in which they work to personalize each guest’s experience. I am delighted about their generous donation and even more so about the fact that a generous donor to the PwP efforts will get to enjoy a stay with them.
Prize Details
Two (2) Free Night Certificates, valid for one (1) night each. Certificates can be used consecutively. Certificates can be redeemed as follows:
- Make a reservation at any Conrad Hotel & Resort worldwide by calling the hotel or booking online at www.conradhotels.com
- Make sure to only book a stay in a standard room and that it is not a pre-paid reservation.
- Once you arrive for check-in, simply present your Free Night Stay Certificate to the hotel front desk staff. You do not need inform the hotel prior to arriving.
- Each certificate is valid for one free night.
- The Free Night Certificate is valid until December 31, 2013 and can be used at any Conrad Hotel & Resort with no blackout dates.
- Certificates valued at over $420
As soon as Passports with a Purpose announces the winner of the prize, I will contact the winner directly for delivery of certificates.
How to Donate and Bid on Prizes
To participate in Passports with Purpose 2012, please visit their Donate Landing Page on the main PwP site. The fundraiser runs is currently ongoing thru December 11, 2012, at 11:59PM Eastern Time.
Read more about the water crisis in Haiti and about the wonderful work Water.org is involved in to help the communities in need there.
Photos courtesy of Water.org
Now this is an amazing giveaway – with a great cause behind it!!!! count me in! — ps I found a half dozen other prizes on that page that I liked too — sooo I've done my part!
@DaDa Rocks: Thanks Adam! There are so many cool prizes, aren't there? Love that you checked it out! Thanks again!
What a GREAT cause and awesome giveaway!!! We would love to take part! And the PRIZES on Passports with Purpose are unbelievable!!! Fingers crossed here!
@iKidNY: That's great! Thanks Lara : ))