CaribPR

BOSTON, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Alan Lewis, Chairman of Grand Circle Corporation, which owns Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, today reported that $517,719 has been donated by their charitable arm, Grand Circle Foundation, and by more than 4,000 travelers (4,029) in support of Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.  The funds will be used to provide water and food to earthquake survivors.

 In a one week period, Grand Circle travelers, mostly retired Americans in their late 60s, 70s, and 80s, donated $367,719, including $346,267 donated by 3,536 travelers during a 96-hour period that began last Thursday, January 14.  Their generous response came quickly after an email from Grand Circle Foundation invited travelers to donate to the Red Cross through the Foundation during a given time period to receive a 100% match. The matching period raised $150,000 and Grand Circle Foundation matched that for a total donation of $517,719 to the American Red Cross of Mass. Bay.

 ”These donors are mostly retired, middle class Americans in their late 60s, 70s, and 80s,” said Mr. Lewis.  “While most are not wealthy, as travelers they consider themselves to be global citizens and, when called, will always do what they can to help.  I have always considered our travelers to be America’s greatest generation, and their actions this past week further confirm that.”

 Alan and Harriet Lewis established Grand Circle Foundation in 1992 as a way to give back to the countries through which Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel customers travel.  Since then, the Foundation has pledged or donated more than $47 million worldwide to support the education of young people and the preservation of cultural treasures and traditions.  Currently, the Foundation supports more than 80 schools and educational institutions serving youth in more than 60 countries.  Fore more information, please visit our new website: www.grandcirclefoundation.org.