December 2008 E-newsletter

Crooked Trails: Travel with a Purpose
 
Happy Holidays Everyone!

For a decade I spent every December and January in Asia traveling around. I purposely missed the Christmas season so I wouldn't have to face all the commercialism and consumerism. But 4 years ago that all changed. I gave birth to my first child and Christmas has not been the same since. I see it through her eyes now; the joy, the laughter, the glee. A few days ago I set up the tree, put up lights and strung up the decorations. Trinity danced around the house in circles overwhelmed with joy and screaming, "It's so beautiful! Mama, thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for the lights and the tree and the presents! It's all beautiful!" I was so touched at her gratitude. She really meant it- THANK YOU!

As I watched her, I realized that gratitude is what I felt as well. Thank you to everyone who strive to bring joy and happiness, and love and laughter to all those around them. This time of year is what you make of it. See the joy, offer your hand and enjoy the season!

Travel Boldly,
Chris Mackay

Featured Story: The Cows Come Home!

In October we told you about the inspiring Seis Vacas Para Peru project, a Crooked Trails fundraiser aimed at improving the availability and access to quality food protein in the diets of children and children and families in a small community in the Peruvian Andes by gifting cows to several of its' families.

Now, via Crooked Trails staff and recent travel program participants, we have an exciting update to share with you.

When Crooked Trails put out the call to support this community by sponsoring the purchase of these cows, you responded! Not only did we have no trouble reaching our goal to purchase seis vacas (six cows), we surpassed our goal and were able to fund seven. This is great news for the community as each cow will support the nutritional needs of five families. In the small village of Usabamba, this means that each and every member will benefit from the cows. 

Click here to read the full story...
Featured Trips
Peru, Ecuador, and Kenya

Ready to plan a trip for '09? Here's our featured picks for your next great adventure.

Peru: Andes & Sacred Valley
May 9 - 26, 2009
This is an unforgettable journey that features an extended home stay in the Andean village of Vicos, as well as "backdoor" look with local guides at popular destinations such as Cuzco and Machu Picchu. By far one of our most popular trips.

Read more and view itinerary for the Peru: Andes & Sacred Valley program...




Ecuador
July 12 - 24, 2009
A fantastic trip for families, or for those who thrive on meeting and being with indigenous peoples and want to learn and share cultures. From the Otavalos in the highlands to the magical cloud forest to the heart of the Amazon jungle, this trip covers it all.

Read more and view itinerary for the Ecuador program...




Kenya
August 1 - 13, 2009
August 11 - 23, 2009
Experience the true Kenya: one of proud and friendly people, breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. The focus is a homestay in the Maasai village of Merrueshi, but we also take in the sights and sounds of Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks.

Read more and view itinerary for the Kenya program...
Notes from the Field
Trip reports by Crooked Trails participants

Working up a Sweat in the Andes
by Thomas Buford

Greetings, my name is Thomas Buford and I have the privilege of telling you about a trip to Chinchero, Peru, that I shared with fourteen extraordinary people.

Click here to read Thomas' full report...



WWU Students Visit Washington's Native Makah
by Kayleigh King

As ecotourism students, an essential part of the educational experience is first-hand interaction with a community in need of developing sustainable tourism, both as a form of revenue and cultural exchange. 

Click here to read Kayleigh's full report...
Holiday Gifts that Keep on Giving

Let's face it - the holidays this year are a bit different for everyone. With the floundering economy and world news on our minds, many people seem to be looking for different ways to give this season. This unique time of change, both in our country and the world at large, is a great prompt for a shift in the way we look at gift-giving and sharing.

Honor the people you love with a responsible gift in their honor this year. We're proud to share with you a few of those opportunities offered by some of the non-profit organizations we partner with and support, as well as a couple of our own projects.

Help to purchase a cow for a Maasai family in Kenya - $150
Traditionally, Maasai families used cows for fresh milk, cheese, clothing, school fees, and to meet healthcare needs for their children. Cows have also been used to build lasting relationships between families, individuals, and communities. This project is hosted by the Maasai Association.

Buy a goat for a children's co-op  in Rwanda - $25
Non-profit organization Itafarihas formed 35 childrens' cooperatives who will be given these goats to provide fertilizer that can be sold and used to grow grass, eventually be sold for meat and give children a chance to care for themselves, start their own businesses and become empowered.

Sponsor a child at the Lingshed boarding facility in India - $120
The Lingshed Area Children's Hostel provides a home away from home for around forty children from one of this region's most remote villages so that they can receive a good education at schools in Leh. Just $120 will allow a child to stay in Leh to go to school and have a safe place to sleep and eat while receiving tutoring and care.

Sponsor a child's educational costs in rural Nepal - $150
The children in rural Nepal come from very poor families that often do not have the extra resources to send their kids to school. Through past fund drives, you've helped us re-build and renovate the delapidated school structures in the village. $150 will cover one child's school supplies, uniforms and schooling costs for an entire year.
Shopping online?
Welcome to the Crooked Trails Amazon.com Store

Need to find the perfect gift for the traveler in your life?
Gearing up for your own adventure?

Check out the Crooked Trails Store, where you'll find staff picks, recommended reading lists, all the gear we can't live without and much more!

PLUS anytime you buy anything on Amazon.com, if you link to it through our Amazon Associates store site, a small percentage is donated to Crooked Trails.

Click here to enter the Crooked Trails Amazon.com Store...

 
3 Summits: Climb with a purpose
A New Crooked Trails partnership!

For the last four years UW MBA alumni, students, professors and friends have joined together to raise money for various causes in Nepal and at the same time reach the summits of major mountains in the Cascade Range. Crooked Trails Nepal Program Director Jwalant Gurung and Ambrose Bittner combined their love of climbing with a desire to give and co-founded an organization called 3 Summits for Nepal. Both are MBA graduates and experienced mountaineers and they have decided to raise funds through climbing to support educational projects in Jwalant's home country of Nepal.
Venetian Masked Ball Fundraiser: Easy Ways to Help

As many of you know, for non profits such as Crooked Trails, one of the most important ways we are able to continue our work is through major annual fundraisers. This year, we have decided to have two separate fundaisers, one in the winter and one in the spring, to spread the fun throughout the year!

The first, Venice is Sinking: A Venetian Masked Carnival Ball, is slated for February 7th. Just like last year's inaugural event, it will be another fabulous evening full of entertainment, acrobatic performers, masked ladies and gentleman, and an undoubtedly good time. We hope you all keep your calendars clear for what is sure to another sold out event!

In the meantime, there are a few easy ways to help us make this event a huge success. Here are some ways to help:

1. Donations: We are looking for some 'larger' items that attendees can bid on during the live auction portion. Things in the past have included boat rentals, vacation rentals, spa days, etc. If you are able to contribute something, please contact Mia Reyes (mia@crookedtrails.org) and she can provide you with the necessary paperwork. Along with recognition at our event, we will provide you with a tax deductable donation form, mention your donation on our ENEWS that goes to over 2500 subscribers, and most importantly you will know that you are helping us to continue our mission for more years to come!

2. Volunteers: As a small company, we are always in need of dedicated volunteers to assist us in planning our fundraiser. If you are interested in lending your time, skills and experience in planning a fabulous second fundraiser in the spring, please contact Mia Reyes (mia@crookedtrails.org) and she will be happy to plug you into the Fundraising Committee. This would also be a great way for anyone interested in getting hands on experience in non profit work, fundraising, marketing and promotions.

Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who have helped out this month...

 Anne Brickner          Alena Howard          Veena Prasad          Ryan Oman          Alexis Bonoff
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In This Issue
The Cows Come Home!
Featured Trips
Notes from the field
Holiday Gifts that Give
CT Reading, Gear & More Store
3 Summits Partnership
Venetian Ball: You can help!
Upcoming Events

































CT announces new carbon offset program
 Beginning in 2009, Crooked Trails is proud to announce a new carbon offset program in partnership with Planting Empowerment.

Although we've been doing carbon offsets for two years now, this new partnership will allow us to do what we do best - plug in at the community level.

Click here to learn more about the program!

 
Quick Links


Upcoming Events



JUICE
Global Music Night

Saturday, Jan. 24th
9:00 pm at Lo-fi
$10 at the door

Come dance the holiday calories off with us at this great event benefitting CT!



Nepal Seminar

Saturday, Jan. 31st
10:00 am
Savvy Traveler Store
Free!

Crooked Trails co-founder Chris Mackay shares her knowledge and love of this wonderful country.


Masked Venetain Ball Fundraiser

Saturday, Feb. 7th
details coming soon!


It's back! This year's event is sure to sell out, and you will not want to miss out. Save the date!


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Quote of the Month

 We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

- Winston Churchill