If you're coming to Belize this year on vacation to enjoy the lush landscapes and pristine rainforests that make the country so beautiful, you can do your part to support the country by participating in the Pack for a Purpose program.
Pack for a Purpose is an innovative program that encourages visitors to use extra space in their luggage to bring much-needed goods to Belize such as medical supplies, books, educational materials, school supplies, and other vital items.
Belize is a small, English-speaking country in Central America that gained independence from Great Britain in 1981. Although Belize is working hard to improve infrastructure and use income derived from the tourism industry to better the lives of its citizens, it continues to face many funding challenges.
Visitors are encouraged to use unused space in their luggage to bring items such as:
· Children's books.
· Art supplies such as watercolor paints and brushes.
· School supplies such as pens, pencils, and markers.
· Educational games such as puzzles and Connect Four.
· Sports equipment such as plastic whistles, (deflated) soccer balls, and agility cones.
· First Aid items such as bandages, antibiotic ointments, and cotton balls.
· Office supplies such as paper, index cards, and staplers/staples.
Once in Belize, you can deliver the items to participating lodges such as Caves Branch Jungle Lodge near Belmopan. Not only will you be helping disadvantaged youth in the country, but you'll also be freeing up space in your luggage for souvenirs and mementos of your amazing vacation.
Pack for a Purpose is a registered American 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded by Rebecca Rothney in 2009. The organization is operated entirely by volunteers, and its mission is to help travelers positively impact communities that they visit.
Pack for a Purpose now works with a network of organizations and companies in more than 60 countries around the world. More than 200,000 pounds of supplies have been donated since the organization was founded. The organization strives to help improve the education, health, and welfare of children in developing countries.
In Belize, Pack for a Purpose works with more than two dozen companies, organizations, and travel firms to help provide much-needed educational materials, art supplies, and sports equipment for at-risk youth. Pack for a Purpose also helps coordinate the supply of medical supplies to villages across the country.
If you'd like to participate, you can visit this link.