nerd’s eye view

Passports with Purpose 2009

November 20, 2009 – 5:57 pm | by nerd's eye view

I don’t really expect you to remember this, but I pretty much sobbed my way across Cambodia. Julius had to take my hand and lead me to sit on a quiet bench somewhere, or in a sheltered cafe, or sometimes, I just sat on the bus, staring out the window while trying to pull myself together. Phnom Pehn was the worst, we couldn’t visit a historical site or a store staffed by land mine victims or go for a drink anywhere but the Foreign Correspondents Club without me just falling apart.

I calmed down some by the time we got to Angkor Wat because it was really a dream come true for me to be there, but everywhere, kids were trying to sell me postcards or soda or other things I did not need. Why aren’t they in school, I wondered, what is going on here? Cambodia cracked me right open, I wanted to take all those kids home, buy them sweaters and bunkbeds and send them off on the bus to learn math and writing and well, I was broken hearted every day I was there. After I got home and reality sunk in, I knew that I couldn’t have them all here, plus, my maternal instinct? Nill. But I was changed by that trip and I knew I had to do something. Thank god for good friends who shared my sentiments.

As we wrapped up last year’s Passports with Purpose — we raised 7400 for Heifer International! –  I stumbled across an article about a program that builds schools in Cambodia. There was no doubt in my mind — that was what we were going to do for 2009.  Debbie Dubrow (Delicious Baby), Beth Whitman (Wanderlust and Lipstick), and Michelle Duffy (Wandermom) were as keen as I was to make this happen. We knew that with the help of our blogging community, we could do this, we could build a school and we could make a small difference in the lives of a handful of kids in Cambodia.

We need you to ensure our success.

How it Works

Each participating blogger will procure a prize valued at $75 or more and post about it on their blog. A complete list will appear on the Passports with Purpose website. Last year, prizes included travel gear, camera equipment, multi-night hotel stays, and more.

For each $10 in donations that you make to AAfC, you will will be entered to win a prize (or prizes) of your choice. The fundraiser begins on November 30th and closes on December 21. (Complete rules appear on the Passports With Purpose website) All proceeds go directly to AAfC. There’s great stuff to be had and all the money goes to a good cause.

How You Can Help

• Readers: Come back on Nov 30th for information about how to make a donation. Each $10 donation will not only help build a school, but it will also enter you in a drawing for a travel related prize of your choice (You’re going to want in. I promise.)
• Bloggers: Consider posting about PwP or even hosting a prize. Not only will you help build a school, but the Passports With Purpose effort can help bring new readers to your blog. Learn more here
• PR types with stuff to promote: A Passports With Purpose sponsorship is a great way to reach out to travelers and travelbloggers. We are also looking for a few more high-quality prizes.

Related Links
Passports With Purpose Website
American Assistance for Cambodia Website

If you need to know more, please send email to info AT passportswithpurpose dot com. And if you know what to do and you’re in to help, please fill out this form.

We believe in the power of travel to create change for the better. Thank you for helping us make a difference.