Signature Travel Network Strengthens Community Impact with Acquisition of Pack for a Purpose

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 be the ideal steward for Pack for a Purpose’s future growth, Rothney initiated discussions for the organization’s integration. Signature’s extensive network of over 15,000 travel advisors and their vast clientele present a significant opportunity to amplify Pack for a Purpose’s reach.

“I am so proud we can integrate Pack for a Purpose into our broader Travel Elevates mission,” said Sharpe. “This organization provides a perfect starting point for any traveler to make an impact, simply carrying needed supplies in their suitcase and dropping them off at their designated accommodation or tour company for handling. This aligns with our belief that giving back while traveling heightens the experience for travelers and leads to greater repeat travel and advisor loyalty. And it also leaves a destination in a better place after a visit.”

“My seventy-fifth birthday wish was to have a secure future where Pack for a Purpose would continue to thrive. I am thrilled that Travel Elevates has made that wish come true! Travel Elevates will enable the Pack for a Purpose mission to grow exponentially,” said Rothney.

Travel Elevates, whose mission centers on leveraging global travel partnerships to foster community enrichment through education and economic empowerment, officially welcomed Pack for a Purpose on June 1, 2024. This merger signifies a powerful step forward in empowering travelers to become active agents of positive change in the communities they explore.

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