We distributed an online survey and received approximately 5,000 responses. Almost 95 percent of respondents said they would be interested in traveling to Cuba if the bill was passed and travel became legal for U.S. citizens. In addition, 78 percent of respondents said they would be interested in participating in a humanitarian mission to Cuba, as long as it was legally licensed by the U.S. government.Friendly Planet Travel has a long history of supporting humanitarian causes, and we arrange or assist in various humanitarian relief and outreach travel programs on a regular basis. When I became aware of the number of people who would be interested in traveling to Cuba for the purpose of humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people, I decided to organize a program to accomplish that goal.
Now, after plenty of research and coordinating activities under the organization and supervision of a U.S. government-licensed travel service provider working with a licensed humanitarian for Cuba, Friendly Planet has organized three humanitarian missions for the fall of 2010. Last week I sent a letter to those respondents of the original survey who expressed a desire to participate in such a mission.
While my letter of invitation was intended to reach only those who had expressed interest in joining a mission, some of the recipients decided to share this letter on the Web. Thus, what was intended as a private and small project entered the public domain. I wanted to share the facts and details about the missions with you here on the blog, so that you would have the information directly from me.
But before you read my letter of invitation, I want to clarify one thing. We are not selling tours to Cuba. This is a mission whose arrangements are organized by a licensed travel service provider of United States Department of Treasury to travel for the purpose of humanitarian relief. Our goal is to deliver a variety of medical supplies, children's educational materials, and other much-needed items.
Read on to see how Friendly Planet and humanitarian mission teams will soon be distributing much-needed help to the Cuban people. And if you would like to join us on this journey, please call us at 800-555-5765 for more information.
Dear Friends of Friendly Planet,
In a recent survey, we asked you for your opinions about travel to Cuba. More than 5,000 volunteer-minded folks among the Friendly Planet family of travelers asked to be included in a humanitarian relief trip to Cuba. We were moved by this outpouring of goodwill and have done our best to answer your call.
After careful research and planning, I am very happy to invite you to join us on one of three humanitarian missions, organized through and hosted by a humanitarian organization officially licensed by the United States Department of Treasury. Each 7-night mission includes airfare from Miami, all accommodations, all meals in Cuba, all ground transportation, visits to independent charitable organizations, and many one-on-opportunities to interact with families and local communities while in Cuba.
Most importantly, each mission will give us an incredible opportunity to directly help people in need, by bringing badly-needed medical supplies to the Cuban people. In many ways, Cuba has one of the most advanced medical systems in the world, with highly-trained doctors and hospital teams. Unfortunately, many common medical items are in extremely short supply, such as pain relief medicines, syringes, and antibiotics. Since items like these are very inexpensive and readily available to us, our trips will make a great and direct difference to people who really need our help. A suggested list of medical supply donations to purchase and bring will be provided if you sign up for the mission.
Our humanitarian missions will include:
- Visits to independent charities in Cuban communities to deliver much needed medical and other supplies directly to those in need.
- Opportunities to meet locals, including artists of various genre, village visits, and other stops to be announced;
- Opportunities to gain insight and greater understanding of the Cuban society, the US-Cuba relationship, the role of sports, the arts and culture in general in modern-day Cuba.
Here are the dates and prices for our three departures. Space is very limited.
- Oct. 23, 2010 to Oct. 30, 2010: $2,799
- Nov. 20, 2010 to Nov. 27, 2010: $2,899
- Dec. 04, 2010 to Dec. 11, 2010: $2,899
Prices are based on double-occupancy. For single room occupancy, please add $399.
All departures include air from Miami. We will send you a flight schedule with your confirmation so that you can make your domestic flight arrangements individually.
Friendly Planet has a long history of supporting humanitarian causes. Over the years, we've been involved in various philanthropic projects, and have arranged travel for groups engaging in humanitarian activities throughout the world. Friendly Planet travelers have benefited village families in Cambodia by donating wells to supply fresh drinking water. Others have focused on collecting and distributing clothing and school supplies to children and senior citizens in Africa and the Middle East. While providing humanitarian aid to many countries and communities, Friendly Planet participants always have opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty, historical locations, and cultural aspects of each country visited.
Friendly Planet tours reach many exotic destinations around the world, where we encounter ample opportunities to reach out and help those who so graciously invite us into their midst. We are grateful to have the unique opportunity to add Cuba to this growing list, and I hope you will take advantage of one of these unique departures to join us in this very special opportunity to see, learn and serve.
To learn more about participating in this special humanitarian mission, call us at 800-555-5765. Availability is quite limited, and if interested, I urge you to contact us without delay.
Cordially,
Peggy M. Goldman
President
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment