Travel Industry Philantropy
It’s not just about the cruise industry. Airlines and tour companies are supporting different charities and athletic events.
“American Airlines supports the Susan B. Komen: Run for the Cure (a women’s breast cancer charity),” says airline spokesperson Ned Raynolds, “And that includes a lot of 10K races at the local level all over the country.”
Richard Branson’s mother, Eve Branson, headed the sports and philanthropy divisions for Virgin. Philanthropy pays a large part in almost every venture the Bransons support.
G Adventures began as a backpacking experience envisioned by a student, Bruce Poon Tip. Now the operation is so big that the price of the ticket for each venture includes funds to be donated to local charities, worldwide. “It was a natural progression,” says Tip, “hike, bike, climb, swim — and give back.” The organization is hosts a series of community service trips.
High-end tour operators Abercrombie & Kent‘s Geoff Kent and now-ex-wife Jorie Butler Kent virtually reinvented big ticket fundraising. Their organization’s recently incorporated fundraising for Friends of Conservation into sponsorship on the polo field.
Are you racing for a cure, cycling for a cause, or taking part in another athletic event? Tell Peter and Marcy all about your experience.
For more about voluntourism, check out:
- hotel voluntourism experiences
- travel tip: on giving back when you travel
- the complete voluntourism archives
- our disaster-relief vacation guide
By Marcy MacDonald for PeterGreenberg.com
Image credit BigStock