It’s been a tough year for many people around the world, and unfortunately, many of the struggles from 2020 are still being felt in 2021.
With international travel still largely on pause, the Peruvian porters and cooks that normally support Intrepid travellers on treks to Machu Picchu and other popular trails have been left without work and without an income to support their families.
VIEW INTREPID TRAVEL’S PORTER POLICY
Local NGOs like MEDLIFE, have provided crucial support to families throughout this time, delivering food parcels to those who are out of work due to the pandemic. MEDLIFE, support low-income communities in Latin America by providing access to medicine, education, and food aid.
Thanks to generous donations from Intrepid travellers and supporters, we were thrilled that, through our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, we were able to donate more than AUD $20,000 worth of food parcels to 356 families in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The meals will help to feed over 1,700 people, many who are cooks and porters whose livelihoods have been
directly impacted by the lack of tourism due to the ongoing global health crisis.
DO YOUR BIT FOR PORTERS AND SUPPORT MEDLIFE BY DONATING TO THE INTREPID FOUNDATION
“The entire tourism industry has been severely impacted by this pandemic. But as a sustainable tour operator, we must find ways to give back and support local communities even through the most challenging times” says Gary Cohen, Intrepid’s General Manager for Latin America.
“Our work with MEDLIFE has allowed us to provide critical support to families whose livelihood depends on international tourism. It’s part of an on-going effort to find purpose during a pandemic.”
While it’s fantastic that 365 families have already been supported by the Intrepid community, there’s still more work to be done.
If you’re in a position to make a donation, no matter how big or small, you can contribute to The Intrepid Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Appeal, supporting communities in Peru and around the world who are struggling to rebuild.
Images c/o MEDLIFE.
