Last Monday, Alex Carpenter spoke about his last venture. ATMA is a not for profit travel company seeking to empower communities around the world and deliver unique and immersive holidays.

Alex was inspired by many stories, like a female blacksmith in Manndeshi, India who raised 12 children on $2 per day, and managed to save 1 cent of that. When the bank would not open an account for her, she join friends and started her own bank. Then after a major drought they built 7 dams, and to educate their children they started mobile business schools which now have 46,000 graduates. This included obtaining 9,000 bikes to get girls to secondary schools.   

With this positive outlook on today’s world, Alex realised that Tourism dollars do not go to the local community. Tourism needs to be community based – that is the local community is asking us to be their guest. Guest are NOT volunteers, but are there to learn the local culture etc. Staying in established houses (like B&Bs).

ATMA is entirely run by 14 passionate volunteers who believe in making a positive impact. Groups, who have usually seen the world’s hot spots, are between 6 & 12 in size, and are “vetted” by Alex.

Definitely, a holiday with a difference. Their next trip is to Malawi.

 

• International Toast by Celia, was to New Horizons Rotary Club of Christchurch
• Pride of workmanship Award dinner. Final numbers & nominations are required THIS week. North Sydney Rotary has joined North Sydney Sunrise and ourselves, so over 50 people are expected.
• Tree of Joy, in conjunction with Chatswood, has us on duty from Dec 11^th until Dec 16^th.  Sue is co-ordinating the roster, and gifts.
• We have been asked to do a BBQ for the Crows Nest Xmas Carols - TBC
• North Sydney has a “Senior Expo” at North Sydney Leagues on November 25^th.  
• Howard requested, and later approved by the board, a $500 donation to the Dili Orphan Children's Xmas Party.
• Angelo has written an article on East Timor for Rotary Down Under. Look out for it in the December issue.  
• Trifecta has been claimed by a gentleman at Mainly Mobiles Communications in Willoughby road, Crows Nest.

• Pride of Workmanship Award Dinner 16^th November
• Chatswood - Trivia Night - 18th November
• AGM – November 27^th
• Giving Night & Xmas party – Monday December 11^th
• Board Meeting  - December 4^th
• Neuroblastoma Gala - 23rd February
• District Conference 10th - 11th of March