Signature Travel Network acquires global travel non-profit

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Signature Travel Network has acquired travel charity, Pack for a Purpose – a non-profit that assists travellers by providing community-curated information regarding local projects so travellers can bring impactful supplies to the communities they visit. Alex Sharpe, President & CEO of Signature Travel Network said the North Carolina-based charity will be incorporated into the consortia’s non-profit foundation, Travel Elevates. Pack for a Purpose was created by founder Rebecca Rothney, who traveled to Africa and witnessed the massive impact she had upon local communities after delivering supplies she’d carried in her suitcase. The experience left Rothney wanting to do more. She came back to the US and asked her travel advisor why more people didn’t pack supplies in their luggage while travelling. The response? People didn’t even think about it. This gave Rothney her “aha” moment, and she started Pack for a Purpose in 2009.

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Currently, Pack for a Purpose comprises more than 370 participants in 50 countries. The projects support child well-being, education, and socioeconomic development, among other initiatives. In 2023, over 19,500 kilograms of supplies were delivered to these communities. Rothney approached Sharpe about taking over Pack for a Purpose and folding it into the Travel Elevates foundation last year. Both non-profits share similar missions: to connect travellers to communities they can support when traveling to global destinations. Rothney also recognised that her charity would be in good hands and take Pack for a Purpose to the next level. Signature’s membership network will bring new exposure to over 15,000 travel advisors and their clientele.

“I am so proud we can integrate Pack for a Purpose into our broader Travel Elevates mission,” said Sharpe.

“This organisation provides a perfect starting point for any traveller to make an impact, simply carrying needed supplies in their suitcase and dropping them off at their designated accommodation or tour company for handling.

“This aligns with our belief that giving back while travelling heightens the experience for travellers and leads to greater repeat travel and advisor loyalty. And it also leaves a destination in a better place after a visit.”

“My 75th birthday wish was to have a secure future where Pack for a Purpose would continue to thrive. I am thrilled that Travel Elevates has made that wish come true! Travel Elevates will enable the Pack for a Purpose mission to grow exponentially,” said Rothney. Travel Elevates’ mission is to help leverage global travel partnerships and enrich communities through education and economic empowerment. Pack for a Purpose officially became part of the non-profit on 1 June 2024. See travelelevates.org.

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