Protravel Pledges to Raise $250,000 for Second FXB Village Network in Rwanda

(New York, NY) — Today Protravel International and FXB USA announced that Protravel has pledged to raise $250,000 in order to fund a new FXB Village Network in Kabati, Rwanda. Each FXB Village Network provides a comprehensive package of assistance to 80 families that have been deeply affected by poverty and AIDS. Over three years, the FXB Village Network funded by Protravel will provide participating families with the tools and training to escape poverty permanently, including healthcare, school support, HIV testing and treatment, improved sanitation, and capital to start small businesses.

This initiative marks the second collaboration between Protravel and FXB USA. In 2008, FXB International’s programs attracted the attention of Protravel President Priscilla Alexander, who spearheaded a fundraising campaign within Protravel to honor her organization’s 25th anniversary. Alexander chose FXB because of its proven success – external evaluations have shown that over 85% of households are living above the poverty line at the end of the program and maintain self-sufficiency thereafter.

Protravel’s employees, vendors, and clients have participated in an array of creative fundraising activities, from hosting cocktail receptions to donating portions of their sales and paychecks to asking friends to donate to the FXB-Protravel campaign in place of sending wedding gifts or holiday presents. Thanks to these efforts, Protravel quickly raised the funds for an FXB Village Network, which launched in August 2009 in Cyeza, Rwanda, and was able to sponsor other projects dedicated to improving conditions in Rwanda.

Alexander recently wrote about her positive experience collaborating with FXB International in an article for Enterprising Women. “I can think of no better way to celebrate the success of Protravel than to help empower the lives of these women and children in Rwanda and am excited to continue my relationship with FXB and families in Cyeza for years to come,” she said.

Protravel’s newest pledge marks the company’s continued commitment to improving the lives of families in Rwanda.

About Protravel

Founded in 1984, Protravel International is a full service dynamic retail travel company. Its corporate headquarters are located in New York City and support a network of 22 locations. Today close to 800 people make up the Protravel organization. Protravel’s expertise in destinations, international faring and competitive products coupled with its superior network of contacts makes Protravel the most powerful selling force in the travel industry.

About FXB

Founded in 1989, FXB International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children left in the wake of the AIDS pandemic. FXB was founded on the belief that health and human rights are inextricably linked and that the best way to help these children is to strengthen the socio-economic capacities of their families and communities. It is committed to ensuring that all progress is sustainable and lasting.

For more information visit www.fxb.org or www.protravelinc.com.

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