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Peru
Community
Service Trip

At A Glance

65
Attendees
Days
Shared Mission

Program Introduction

The client engaged Cain Meetings & Events (CME) to organize their President’s Club event, with a special request to incorporate a community service component at their chosen location. This type of program holds particular significance for Cain Travel, as they prioritize making meaningful impacts through such initiatives. The initial step was to source and contract the hotel in Peru, securing accommodations for all attendees. With that in place, the focus shifted to orchestrating the community service project, which would become a key element of the program.

Program
Itinerary

Logistics & Service

The Cause

For international programs, Cain Meetings & Events collaborates with local Destination Management Companies through their vetted networks. After sharing the client’s vision and goals, their partner in Peru proposed several potential service projects. Together, CME and the client selected Hogar Madre Santa Teresa de Calcutta, a home for disabled children and elderly individuals. In Peru, societal support for the disabled is limited, making this home a vital sanctuary for those with nowhere else to turn. At the time, the home housed 49 elderly residents and 18 children, of whom only six could move independently. Additionally, the home provided meals for 50 individuals.

Donation

The client allocated $8,000 toward the project, covering donations, transportation, and other necessary expenses. The donations included essential items such as rice, potatoes, beans, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, mattresses, and chairs for the dining room.

Execution

Given logistical constraints, CME divided the project into two parts: a donation assembly at the hotel with 47 attendees, and a visit to the home with 16 attendees. During the hotel assembly, attendees personalized large brown bags for each recipient, filling them with new shoes, shirts, and specifically requested items like a backpack for the one child who attends school. At the home, residents were gathered in the courtyard as attendees presented them with their gifts. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, hugs, and tears. Children played with their new toys, while others watched from wheelchairs or their beds. One nonverbal young man even danced with a few attendees, creating a moment of pure joy. While talking to Mother Presentina, she emphasized that while material donations are crucial, the greatest gift is the human connection provided through a smile, touch, or hug.

Outcome

The community service project left a lasting impact on everyone involved. The residents expressed their gratitude with heartfelt hugs, and there wasn’t a dry eye among the attendees when they returned to the hotel. While the program included other memorable activities, such as a visit to Machu Picchu via the luxurious Hiram Bingham train and Pisco Sour-making lessons, the community service project was undeniably the highlight of the trip.

A significant distinction of Cain Meetings & Events’ approach is that they do not collect a management fee for organizing these community service projects. This is their way of giving back, ensuring that their contribution to the cause is as meaningful as possible. CME is committed to creating not only memorable travel experiences but also profound and impactful ones that resonate long after the trip has ended.