Chapter 2: - Center for Responsible Travel

Education and Social WelfareFor the children of Loreto, the Foundation has helpedsupport purchase and distribution of back-to-schoolsupplies and the development and implementation ofa certified environmental curriculum. It providedsupport for the internado boarding schools thatprovide children from rural areas with a place to staywhile attending school in the town of Loreto.Foundation grants also helped to outfit and supportLoreto‘s first regionally competitive soccer team, LosFrailes. Each year at Christmas, the Foundationunderwrites a project that provides all families inLoreto who are below the poverty line with a fullmeal, new blankets, and individually wrappedpresents for the children of the household. Finally,the Foundation supported the Casa Hogar home forabused or endangered children.Internado bus, Loreto, Mexico.Credit: Mark SpaldingEnvironmentIn addition to community work, the Foundation has also sought to protect the natural resourcesupon which the beauty and quality of life in Loreto is based. It made a grant for creation,printing and distribution of a comic book to educate about overfishing and sharks. It alsoprovided support so that the Loreto Bay NationalMarine Park could add two extra patrol andenforcement staff. Further, the Foundation hasfunded research regarding sea turtles in the nationalpark and has provided support for the annualmeeting of the sea turtle ―guardians‖ of BajaCalifornia, as well as for their mobile educationvehicle.To create a great sense of stewardship within thecommunity, the Foundation gave a gift to the U.S.based conservation organization, RARE toundertake a Pride Campaign in Loreto. The effort isRARE Pride Campaign, Loreto, Mexico.producing wonderful results. Selecting theCredit: Cynthia BrownChocolate Clam as its symbol, the national park andthe campaign leader have infused the park staff with pride in their jobs, and the community ofLoreto with pride of place. The community has celebrated hosting the park through specialevents and an entry in the annual parade for the commemoration of the Mexican Revolution.The symbol of the campaign is seen on bumper stickers, caps, and t-shirts all around town. Inshort, the park staff feels welcome and part of the community in a way they never have before.36