Travelers' Philanthropy Handbook - Center for Responsible Travel

ooWe honor the desire of our donors, both big and small, to help serve the poorcommunities. We never anticipated the willingness from those far from us, tocontinue to champion our cause of social and economic justice.We understand that ordinary people can, and do, have a valuable contribution tomake to development.• How are Funds Distributed? / How Much Has Been Raised?The breakdown of our travelers’ philanthropy for a two year period is as follows:Table 1: Travelers’ Philanthropy Contributions, Calabash Tours (in U.S. $)Type 2008/2009 2009/2010Individual contributions $115,000 $86,000Travel Company Donations $25,000 $23,0002 x soccer fields, 1x netballcourt in schools.$8,000 $25,000(Charity challenge)Second hand shipments ofschool furniture5 x 20 ft containersvalue approx $35,0009 x 20 ft containersvalue approx $65,000We have not yet worked out a good way to measure the value of the time given by ourvolunteers. The project contribution which is costed into our volunteer programs is also notincluded in these figures. This figure is in the region of $60,000, but is included in volunteerpackage costs.• Has Your Travelers’ Philanthropy Program Helped, Hurt or Had No Impact on YourBusiness?This journey started with a small tour company with a vision. Briefly, the benefits have been asfollows:Calabash Tours has received considerable recognition from township residents as a result ofthe work of Calabash Trust. This has enhanced our clients experience in the townships, wherethey are valued, and welcomed. The positive results from travelers’ philanthropy help offset thenegative impacts tourism can have in communities. Community residents value tourism, andsee a benefit in having visitors come to the area, even though their privacy is invaded. Theadditional income channeled through Calabash Trust, has allowed Calabash Tours to ‘punchabove its weight’ within the tourism community. Calabash Tours has been able to leveragepositive marketing from these initiatives. Calabash Tours is seen as being true to its values andphilosophy of serving the poor. We have a tangible, measurable track record. Calabash Tourshas truly made an impact in poverty alleviation and social development in the townships of PortElizabeth.• ConclusionWhile we ‘accidentally’ became part of the travelers’ philanthropy movement, this would neverhave happened had we not operated from a strong Responsible Tourism ethic from the66