Tuesday, June 4, 2024 In a move to strengthen its impact on communities worldwide, Signature Travel Network, a leading travel industry association, announced the acquisition of Pack for a Purpose. The North Carolina-based non-profit, known for connecting travelers with meaningful giving opportunities, will now operate under Signature’s charitable arm, Travel Elevates. Pack for a Purpose’s origin story stems from a transformative experience by founder Rebecca Rothney.
Witnessing the profound impact of delivering supplies carried in her luggage during an African trip, Rothney envisioned a way to empower travelers on a larger scale. Upon returning to the US, she discovered a surprising reality – most travelers weren’t even considering packing supplies. This realization sparked the creation of Pack for a Purpose in 2009.
Through its network of over 370 collaborating projects across 50 countries, Pack for a Purpose empowers travelers by equipping them with local needs information. This allows tourists to contribute impactful supplies directly to the communities they visit. These projects encompass initiatives such as child welfare, education, and economic development.
In 2023 alone, over 43,000 pounds of essential supplies reached communities in need. Recognizing the shared mission of connecting travelers with opportunities to support global destinations, Rothney approached Signature Travel Network President & CEO Alex Sharpe in 2023. Confident that Travel Elevates would b.