Mark’s Story

The JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University has been taking its members on trips around the world for years. We all love to see the plants and gardens these new places are growing and are always seeking to connect our members not only to the landscapes but to the places we visit. Pack for a Purpose first came to my attention when I met the founder, Rebecca Rothney, here in my own backyard. I immediately could see how much her program would interest the participants on our trips.

We had already scheduled a trip to visit Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands and we connected with SOLEQ.travel, one of the companies which work with Pack for a Purpose in Ecuador. The general manager, Diego, kindly agreed to pick up the supplies at our hotel and delivered them to the project, Refugio de Los Sueños. It is refuge where children come to escape the dangers of the streets.

A call to action to our trip participants was all it took to get the donations pouring in. Our group squeezed a total of about 65 extra pounds into their suitcases – markers, pencils, flash cards, and more.

All of the group really appreciated the opportunity to give back to a country that they all fell in love with on their travels. The people were so wonderful everywhere we went, it was a joy to know that we had helped them in a small way. While I can’t speak for the entire JC Raulston Group, I know I will plan to utilize this fantastic service on my personal and work trips.