Protravel Prez: Rwanda Service Project Brings Business Benefit Too

Protravel, a New York-based, $600 million travel seller and meeting planner, was not aiming for measurable ROI when she initiated a project to fund the development of a self-sufficient village in Rwanda, said Priscilla Alexander, the agency’s president.

Nevertheless, the project turned out to be an important team-building initiative for the company. “In a world with many needs, it has helped Protravel people to focus on a project that has measurable results,” she explained. “It makes people feel proud of the company with whom they are associated. It is inspiring.”

Alexander initiated the corporate social responsibility (CSR) project as a way of honoring the 25th anniversary of Protravel International, “… something that would signify our success as well as a gesture to benefit others less fortunate. Alexander contacted FXB International after reading about their work to create sustainability for people in various countries throughout the world. The 22-branch agency exceeded its own expectations by raising over $200,000 for their project — the building of a village in Rwanda, in conjunction with FXB International.

Their original goal, set in 2009 when the project began, was to raise $182,000 to fully fund a three-year project establishing a self-sufficient village with a future of permanent stability.  “It only takes $110 to totally support one person per year. Our mission was to change the lives of 80 to 100 families…with a basic package of sustainable enrichment to escape poverty permanently. It is a small price to pay for a big return,” she said. Though the initial goal has been exceeded, the agency will actively continue on this project, Alexander added. “Only the first step has been completed, which was to bring a level of sustainability for almost 500 people. We are now focusing on individual projects which will aid not only the 500 in our village but others in that area of Rwanda.”

Because the project launched at almost the same time as the economic meltdown in the US, she said that they never aggressively went to their own clients or suppliers.

However, many became aware of [the project] and did participate. The greatest part of the donations has come from the agents and their fundraising ideas; they were the driving force. For example: in London, one agent’s son raised $2,200 at a Christmas Charity Event at his school; in San Diego, one of our offices had a golf tournament and raised $1,800; in Miami, a cooking class at a local hotel raised $1,500; our Long Island office had an event with the clairvoyant John Edward donating his time and raised over $30,000; in New York, an office had a 50/50 raffle raising $3,200; and our Beverly Hills office raffled off a donated cruise and raised $18,000.”

Alexander reported that agents continue to generate new fundraising ideas. “The Protravel Rwanda Village gave people something to focus on with tangible results. Together, Protravel feels we are making an impact on people’s lives.”