Remember when we said we’re sending two lucky customers and their friends on an epic trip to Kenya? Well, now you can get an exclusive sneak peek into what you can expect!
Last August, we sent three of our amazing Tea Guides to Kenya to learn about how our partnership with ME to WE is helping to bring clean water to developing communities. They had such a blast building a school (which officially opened last January), going on safaris and meeting the wonderful people in the Masaai Mara community that they couldn’t wait to share their experience with you guys. Check out these snippets from their adventure of a lifetime…
Chiara Elliott, Key Holder from Intercity Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“We just got back from going on a water walk with two of the Mamas from the Kipsigis community, and I am overwhelmed with hope and love. Mama Jane gave us a tour of her house and property, leading us to fetch water. We carried barrels 2 km to a very brown river. Mama Judy filled all of the barrels up with water, leaving them for our group to carry back. I, of course, went for the largest barrel – 50 pounds of water resting on my head.
“The Mamas and daughters used to do this walk over 25 times a day – that is 100 km of walking and 1,250 pounds of water every single day! Since ME to WE has come into their community, setting up wells along the road and near schools, they now only do this walk to get water for their animals. This means that young girls can go to school and still help their families with water… that’s pretty incredible!”
Flavien Demeure, Tea Guide from Complexe Desjardins in Montreal.
“One of our projects for the week was to help build a school set to open a few months later. Chiara and
I focused on the metal foundation, while Peyton spent time cementing the base. This grueling task occupied us for 4 half-days, and it was really interesting getting our hands dirty and working directly with the people this new school will benefit.
“[Near the end of our trip], we got up at 5 a.m. ready to go on a Safari to meet all the animals in the Maasai Mara’s reserve. Lions, elephants, hippos, mongooses, hyenas, antelopes, gazelles… I wish you could have all been there to witness the wildlife!
“I’m really proud to be one of DAVIDsTEA’s ME to WE Ambassadors. It was such a unique opportunity to discover a country I’ve always dreamed of visiting… and doing it alongside ME to WE made it that much more impactful.”
Peyton Taylor, Store Manager at Natick in Boston.
“To say that this trip was life-changing would be the understatement of the century.
“By giving the kids the opportunity to go to school, WE is opening so many doors for them in the future – I’ve never met children who love school more. But it was the girls of Kisaruni Secondary School that touched my heart the most.
“I was lucky enough to sit with seven girls, all sophomores and juniors […] When I asked what they wanted to be when they grew up I heard answers like doctor, lawyer, civil engineer, chemist, accountant, and neurosurgeon. They said these things with true conviction, like there wasn’t a doubt in their mind that they would in fact achieve these goals. Thinking about it now, it gives me chills and fills my heart with pride knowing that I met these future world-changers.
“My two biggest takeaways from this whole experience: true connections and true kindness. I want to bring that back.”
Get in on the adventure
Sound exciting? Now’s your chance! Check our site for details on how to win the contest for the trip of a lifetime. Last day to enter is March 10th, 2017.
Please Note: Comments have been edited for conciseness.
