No matter where you go, there will be good and bad. I like to focus on the good, though, and there’s no better way to do that than to find local non-profit organizations and get involved. Here are some that I’ve had the pleasure of discovering:

1. The Peanut Pet Shelter of Playa Del Carmen: This place is a haven for feral dogs. It is a no kill shelter and it treats medically, houses and feeds dogs that need a home. During my time spent there, I’ve seen some dogs in pretty horrible shape, obviously cast aside and forgotten, I’ve seen dogs thrive, I’ve seen them die. It’s not an easy thing to do, but Andy and Jen of the Peanut Pet Shelter keep at it, every day. There are some very, very lucky dogs there.

The Peanut Pet Shelter Hosts a wash day every Saturday. If you ever find yourself in Playa Del Carmen, you need to go to the dog wash. It’s the most fun you’ll ever expect to have with a bunch of happy-go-lucky puppies, a few beers and some crazy expats. They welcome everyone and if you happen to fall in love with a particular pup, Andy and Jen will help you with everything necessary to take the lucky doggy home. Plus, you might feel compelled to donate after you meet these wonderful people, and you’re in luck, because it is a registered, tax-deductible charity in the USA and Mexico.

More info on the Peanut Pet Shelter of Playa Del Carmen:

Web Site: peanutpetshelter.org
Blog: Peanut Pet Shelter Goes Pink
Donate: peanutpetshelter.org/donations.html
Buy some cool gear: PPS Store
Find a doggy to adopt: Petfinder
Become a fan on Facebook: Peanut Pet Shelter
Follow on Twitter: @PeanutShelter or @ladiesofpeanut

2. After the Wave Foundation of Thailand: This foundation was set up by the International School Bangkok, to continue the education of young survivors of the tsunami that devastated the region in 2004. It is a registered charity in Thailand and is run by a group of educators, volunteers, alumni and community leaders. it is located in Bang Sak, Thailand.

Children who are supported have lost parents, schooling and health in the tsunami.

Traveling in the areas of Thailand that were hit by the tsunami is emotionally draining. It’s sad for obvious reasons, horrifying because you hear stories about things no human should ever have to experience or witness, and elating because you hear the stories of survival and rebuilding and community. This is one the most beautiful places in the world and the people add to that. The world gave after the tsunami, but it seems to have been forgotten since, and the saddest thing, is that the Thai people are still feeling horrible affects of it’s aftermath.

More info on the After the Wave Foundation of Thailand:

- Web Site: After The Wave Foundation
- Fan Page on Facebook: After the Wave
- YouTube: AfterTheWave
- Donate: afterthewave.org/donate_now.html

3. Make It Right Nola: Another gone but not forgotten disaster in recent history is the flooding of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I was able to visit 2 years after the event and see that little to nothing has actually been done to clean up huge areas of the city and rebuild. The scenery was still dotted with FEMA trailers and condemned homes with emergency spray paint markings on them, or holes in the roof where the owner climbed out. It was absolutely heart-wrenching and it’s no surprise the areas that have yet to be helped are the poorer areas, specifically the Lower 9th Ward.

Enter Make It Right Nola, an organization that aims to rebuild the Lower 9th Ward. Founded by Brad Pitt after he toured the devastated area, it’s goal is to build 150 affordable, green, storm resistant homes for Lower 9th Ward families.

More info on Make It Right Nola:

Web Site: Make It Right Nola
Donate: Support Make It Right Nola
Get Gear: MIR Merchandise
Facebook Fan Page: Make It Right
Twitter: @MakeItRight_9
YouTube: makeitrightnola9

travel, non-profit, organization

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