GASCO NGO
Favela Vidigal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Favela Vidigal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It was a tough challenge, but Jesse admitted that he got a second win towards the end of the race when he reminded himself of why he was competing.
Our performance in everything we do in life is enhanced when we have a powerful why!
It’s not just about seeing the world, it’s about making the world better, together. We acknowledge the power travel has in driving positive change, and we are guided by a purpose of giving back to the children of local communities.
Perhaps, the best way to see who we can become is to see ourselves through the eyes of a child.
1% of all profits from our travel experiences are directed towards creating a larger impact and connection for our partner foundations and the communities they serve. 100% of these payments and your additional donations go directly to our non-profit partner organizations in Brazil and Pakistan.
In March, 2022, Jesse had the privilege of visiting Vidigal Favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More specifically, he met with the wonderful founder of GASCO, Bernadete Soares Pereira, and her husband.
Since 2007, Bernadete's non-profit organization, GASCO, has served over 200 youth students between the ages of two and eighteen, per day, through sports, musical, educational and developmental programs. Bernadete has also founded a social project "Cozinha Solidária" which distributes warm food to homeless residents in the community.
Due to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, poor nutrition and pollution, disease is rampant in the favelas and infant mortality rates are high. We need your help.
For future plans, the objective is to expand their space including the educational classrooms, on site kitchen to feed the children, and the events area where the children are taught martial arts (Judo and Capoeria) and ballet.
Never underestimate the difference you can make on every life you encounter. Big or small. The impact you make today has a powerful rippling effect on their tomorrow.
A life changing experience documented below.
“Children are the world’s most valuable treasure and our best hope for the future”
With the help of your donations, we were fortunate enough to help purchase a water fountain for the children in the event space.
Prior to this, there was no water source and during his visit, Jesse watched two adults pour hundreds of little cups for the kids wasting countless plastic water bottles.
In December 2021, Jesse connected with Sundas, a community activist in Mian Channu, Pakistan through Facebook. Sundas is a teacher and the founder of a non-profit organization focused on educating, clothing, feeding and supporting orphans and children living in poverty.
He was a bit skeptical at first, but decided to send $100 in good faith to their village in Pakistan to feed the children for Christmas. What he received back almost had him in tears.
Sundas and her husband, Mohsin, created a banner with Jesse's picture and a kind message to show their appreciation. Each month since, we continue to give to her foundation and are always amazed by the response. We are truly making an impact in the lives of these children and our donations are being put to good use.
With your help, in January 2023, we helped Sundas to purchase school supplies, books, hire two full time teachers and rent an indoor space in Mian Channu that will be used as a school for the children!
For future plans, our goal is to continue to provide meals for the children, pay the monthly rent for their school, and continue to look for a larger space that can accomodate more children. As of now, they are unfortunately turning many families away from gaining this support.
With your help, we can continue to help these non-profit organizations meet their goals!
Sundas and her husband (below) visit this village four times a week to deliver support and spend time with the children. It is approximately one hour from their home in Mian Channu. They have four children of their own: Mouiz, Abile, Veronica and Jasiel.
Get the latest stories and updates on our community partners and learn how you can donate and contribute to the children.
