TTAND Giving Back Holiday Contest Reveals Innovative Ideas

Throughout the year, the Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) community organizes events, contests, fitness challenges and more to engage the community of employees and agent partners. Prizes are awarded and the TTAND community celebrates the winners.

In the December holiday season, there are four weeks of holiday challenges and the first of these was held last week: Giving Back through Travel.

Agents were invited to share how they or their clients give back to their community through travel! This could include donating to a cause, volunteering at an organization, or working with a non-profit to make the community better.

Here are some examples of the many entries from generous TTAND agent partners:

Candace Steil: Travel accessory donations

“I give to many organizations over the year,” says Candace Steil.  These organizations include the Ben Stelter Foundation (raising money for kids with cancer) and REALTORS Community Foundation (which funds safe and accessible housing). “I also donate to local fundraisersfor kids' sports.” Donations are typically suitcases as shown above, with bag tags, a travel cup, travel sized bottles, and passport covers.

Charlene Richmond: Uganda Orphanage volunteer

“I am often asked by clients if they can bring anything when they travel,” says Charlene Richmond.  “I let them know that toiletries are often needed, treats are always appreciated but oftentimes their tips make a big difference.”

Richmond volunteered in an orphanage in Uganda for many years and had sponsors for the children. “I used to go to the orphanage at least twice a year to stay.”

Dianne Marsden: Promoting Sustainability

“I help by bringing awareness and to inspire others to be part of the change,” says Dianne Marsden. “I believe that making the world a better place starts with us. Through my work in travel and in the community, I try to inspire and support actions that “Make Earth Good Always.”

Marsden has more planned, too. “I’m also excited to share that I’m now preparing special kits about sustainability to provide to schools, travellers, and community members.

The message is simple: big change starts with small, everyday actions. “By being mindful, kind, and proactive, we can make the world a better place for all.” Marsden says this includes:

• Bringing awareness to travellers about sustainable travel choices
• Showing kindness and acceptance to everyone we meet
• Delivering humanitarian aid to communities in need
• Cleaning beaches and protecting nature
• Educating about our environment and ways to care for our planet

"…it’s all part of creating a ripple effect of positive change."

Shane Dirk: Giving Back in Medicine Hat

“I am a member of the Kinsmen Club Medicine Hat,” says Dirk. “We are a non-profit organization that donate a lot of our time to raise money to donate it back to our community.” The group enables and contributes to community activities including free public skating and free swimming for kids. They’ve also made large donations to a woman’s shelter, special needs programs, local sport teams, parks and many more. “I was very honoured to receive the Rookie of the Year award recently,” Dirk says, “with one minor spelling error!”

Shawna Kontzie: Adopt a Grandma

Last year we did “adopt a grandma” at the seniors home and “adopt a family” with Santa’s Anonymous,” says Shawna Kontzie. Building on the success of those initiatives, “We plan to do the same this year!”

 

Tina Shank: Supporting hill tribes in Thailand

“I have been knitting and crocheting blankets and dresses for hill tribes outside Hua Hin Thailand,” says Tina Shank. “I have just completed blankets three and four, and three dresses this past few months.” Shank’s work helps keep people warm. “When we think of Thailand we think of weather but up in the jungle it gets pretty cold at night,” she says. 

 

Veronica VanCooten: Help for Jamaica

“Sending ‘barrels’ back home is such a big part of Caribbean culture,” says Veronica VanCooten. “After Hurricane Melissa’s impact in Jamaica, a few of us TTAND agents are putting together a barrel with clothes and supplies for families in need. It’s a small gesture, but it can make a big difference.”

 

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