How often as a traveler have you gone to a country where you were warned not to drink the water, not to swallow any when you brush your teeth and not to get any in your mouth as you shower?
Many of us do not give much thought to the miracle of a clean, reliable water source. Turn the tap and the stuff’s just there for us, right? Wrong. For so much of the world it is never that easy, but we can help make the situation a little better. Here’s how….
This year’s Passports with Purpose travel blogging community fundraiser is partnering with Water.org to raise US$100,000 (yep, that’s six figures, but we’ll get it done) to build five water wells in two communities – Boucan Carre and Mirebalais – in Haiti.
Last year, Passports raised enough money (mostly in US$10 increments) to build two libraries in Zambia in partnership with Room to Read. This year, our partner is Water.org for the wells.
I’m a huge fan of #PwP because you can see exactly where your money goes. Projects are clear, concrete and tangible. Even better, the PwP volunteer crew (which includes several dear friends of mine from the travel blogosphere) goes to see them when they’re done and reports back, giving a real sense of connection and satisfaction.
Joining in as a host blogger for Passports is my own small contribution to both helping a good cause, and shining a light on the special destination that has generously donated a prize for me to feature here.
How it works….
In addition to the great offer I’m showcasing below, you can browse through this full list of travel-related prizes and bid for chances to win whichever ones appeal to you. At the end of the fundraiser – it runs through December 11, 2012 – one winner of each prize will be randomly selected from all of those who have bid for it.
A $10 donation per bid is suggested, but if you don’t want to make a donation, mail one self addressed stamped envelope to: Passports with Purpose, P.O. Box 16102, Seattle WA 98116. Include the name of the prize you are entering to win.
A huge thank you to the Tunica CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) who sponsored the 2012 prize package featured here on Sheila’s Guide: a fabulous getaway to Mississippi’s Gateway to the Blues and the South’s Casino Capital in the Delta (south of Memphis) which is stuffed with all of these goodies:
** A two-night stay at one of (take your pick!) NINE Harrah’s casino resort hotels or the Mid-South RV Park, plus
** Buffet for two (breakfast, lunch or dinner) at either Paula Deen’s Buffet at Harrah’s Tunica or the Village Square Buffet at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Tunica, and
** Dinner for two (US$100 Dining Dollars) at one of three Tunica fine dining/steakhouse restaurants, and
** Admission for two at the Funny Bone Comedy Club at Harrah’s Tunica, and
** Admission to the Tunica RiverPark and Museum, right on the Mississippi.
NOTE: Transportation to and from Tunica, MS and while in Tunica not included. Hotel offer valid Sunday – Friday, advance reservations required. Not valid on Holidays or special event days. Offer expires March 29, 2013 (so hop to it if you win.)
I’ve spent a little time in Tunica and the northern section of the Blues Highway where it’s located; there is lots to see and do whether you want to stay in the casinos or resort areas, or wander a little further away to nearby blues landmarks and juke joints.
And may I just say, the Paula Deen Buffet is stuff-yourself-to-the-eyeballs yummy!
Are you ready to buy a chance at this prize, or any other to help fund the construction of those wells?
For a chance to win, go here to the PwP Prize List/Donate page and follow the directions.
What happens in Haiti when a new well goes in? A celebration like this one….
I’d also like to thank the generous sponsors of Passports with Purpose 2012:
- Platinum: Expedia
- Gold: TripIt
- Silver: TBEX travel blogging conference
- Bronze: HomeAway, TravellersPoint, HostelBookers, Go with Oh
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