“Educating all of our children must be one of our most urgent priorities. We all know that education, more than anything else, improves our chances of building better lives.” – Nelson Mandela #SpiritOfGiving
At Travelwings, we believe in the power of connections. For us, it’s about empowering local communities, building connections, enriching lives, and leaving a positive mark on the world. That’s why we’ve dedicated the month of March to the #SpiritOfGiving. We kicked off this month with a CSR initiative in Mpumalanga, South Africa, where we partnered with the Wiltons Foundation, YouthBuild, Air France, and KLM to empower young minds and ignite their passion for learning. This incredible project touched our hearts in ways we never expected.
This initiative wasn’t just about making a donation. It was about giving the gift of time and hard work. Our team, alongside representatives from our partner organizations, spent a fulfilling day working side-by-side with the community to revamp schools, paint the jungle gym, rebuild the arts center, treat the students to a delicious lunch, and revel in the spirit of community building. From revamping classrooms to planting trees, the collaborative effort brought smiles, hope, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Beyond The Bricks and Mortar: A Day Filled with Connection
The impact of our CSR initiative goes far beyond the R15,000 cash donation or the 25 donated soccer balls. What truly made the day was the kindness, empathy and compassion we shared during this project. Witnessing the enthusiasm and passion of the attendees, including Katy Wilton (Leader at the Wiltons Foundation) and Oupa Tshabalala (Head of YouthBuild), was truly inspiring. The symphony of smiles that filled the air and the infectious joy of the children were enough to bring tears to your eyes.
Embracing The #SpiritOfGiving
Sean Bradely, Travelwings’ Chief Business Officer, shares his experience, “When partnerships extend beyond business, remarkable things happen. I would like to thank our partners for inviting us to support this CSR project and offering us the opportunity to do things that truly matter. What stood out for me the most was the excitement these children showed during the physical games, their infectious laughter echoing, and not once did I see any of them arguing. They were fascinated while they watched us work.
Their impeccable manners and genuine respect were truly heartwarming. Despite their humble circumstances, these children possess an extraordinary wealth – a deep-seated joy and an innate ability to revel in the simplicity of genuine happiness. From learning new skills to sharing in their joyous moments, this day was filled with meaningful work and precious moments that we spent with the children. Witnessing the transformative power of collective effort and seeing the genuine happiness among the children, despite their circumstances, was a truly humbling experience.”
This simple observation speaks volumes about the spirit of the community. Despite facing challenges, the children exuded infectious joy and a deep appreciation for the efforts made to improve their surroundings.
Wings Of Hope, One Smile At A Time
The #SpiritOfGiving campaign isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about the quiet moments of connection that etch themselves onto your soul. Be it watching the children get excited upon receiving the soccer balls or sharing a laugh while building a ramp together, these moments of shared humanity are what truly make a difference.
This #SpiritOfGiving CSR initiative is a testament to the power of partnership. By working together with like-minded organizations like the Wiltons Foundation and YouthBuild, we were able to make a significant impact.
Travelwings is committed to using our resources and influence to create positive change in the world. We believe that travel has the power to not only broaden horizons but also to foster connections and uplift communities. Stay tuned for more such heartwarming updates. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we look forward to sharing more #SpiritOfGiving stories in the future.
