Photo: Charles Chan

We want to help build a school in Cambodia!

LAST YEAR, A few Seattle-based travel bloggers decided they wanted to leverage the power of their collective networks to launch a holiday fundraising drive.

But there was nothing ordinary about their project, which they named Passports with Purpose.

Beth Whitman, Debbie Dubrow, Michelle Duffy, and Pam Mandel asked travel bloggers to pitch in with prizes, promotion, and donations. People bought $10 raffle tickets for the chance to win the donated prizes. All of the raffle ticket money went to support the work of Heifer International.

The first year of Passports with Purpose raised $7,400. This year, the organizers set a goal of raising $13,000. That is the amount of money needed to build a school in Cambodia through the organization, American Assistance for Cambodia.

Last year, Matador donated a prize pack full of travel writing books and Matador gear. This year, we’re donating free tuition to our travel writing school, Matador U. This prize is worth $350.00.

Read all about Passports with Purpose and make your donation here.

Community Connection:

Over on Matador Change, writer Carina Port has put together a guide to Gifts That Give Back.