Non-profit organisation, Pack for a Purpose, donates to pre-school in Acornhoek

Sibonile Day Care Centre in Acornhoek was presented with much need supplies through the non-profit organisation, Pack for a Purpose.
This globally recognised non-profit organisation assists travelers who want to take meaningful contributions to the destinations they visit.
The Pack for a Purpose website provides needs’ lists for over 500 projects in more than 60 countries.
Since 2010, travelers have taken over 156 717 kilograms of supplies, meeting essential needs for community projects around the globe. Supported projects include education, health, child welfare, animal welfare, and socio-economic development.
When Pack for a Purpose was established in December 2009, there were 29 participants in 15 countries.
Now, in 2020, Pack for a Purpose has over 430 participants in over 60 countries around the world.

ALSO READ: Make sure your travels are meaningful

Blyde River Canyon Lodge, situated not far from the Kruger National Park, has become involved in the initiative.
They chose to support the Sibonile Day Care Centre.
Lodge owner Vicky Mittan explains why the lodge decided to get involved with the Pack for a Purpose initiative.
“Being part of the tourism industry carries an inherent responsibility to care for and uplift the community in which we live.
“We are proud to be one of several lodges in the area that encourage tourists to Pack for a Purpose.
“Partnering with Pack for a Purpose has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference to those who need it most in our community.
“We are grateful for this initiative and overwhelmed by the amazing support we’ve received from our guests in terms of donations.”
With every booking received, the lodge encourages guests to keep space in their luggage to “pack for a purpose” and include stationery, books, games, clothing and toiletries that can be donated to underprivileged school children.
Many of the children live in households where their parents or guardians can barely provide enough food for the table, so the donated items – even if simply a new toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste – are received with real appreciation and joy.
She says the school has approximately 500 children, ranging in age from babies to Grade 2 learners.
Classroom supplies are practically non existent, with teachers often having to employ inventive tactics when it comes to teaching, such as using old soda bottle caps as counting aids.
“There are no desks in many of the classrooms, the children simply sit huddled together on the floor.
“Despite all this, their faces light up when their teachers speak and they are eager to learn and create a bright future for themselves.
“In the first four months of 2019, we received a whopping 150 kg of donated goods from our guests.
“We are hoping to exceed this amount in the first four months of 2020!”