The newly launched Marmalade Toast Foundation is set to provide travel opportunities to those who otherwise would not be able to afford to.

(TRAVPR.COM) SOUTH AFRICA - November 29th, 2013 Providing sponsorship to individuals to allow them to travel to volunteer organizations around South African and the world, The Marmalade Toast Foundation hopes to inspire a profound change not only on the traveller’s life but also on the communities they will work with. It is the foundation’s belief that in giving of themselves, sharing their skills and in turn enriching the communities in which they travel to, the sponsored traveller will gain a deeper understanding of the world, as well as provide an opportunity for themselves to re-evaluate their own belief systems and values.

Having spent a year working with an organization called EDGE of AFRICA in Knysna, South Africa, Lance van den Heever-Liebenberg (co-founder of the foundation) was able to able to physically see the immense impact that a volunteer organization is able to have in their local community, as well as the benefit for conservation efforts and research.

At the end of his time at EDGE, Lance spent two weeks interviewing the volunteers and listening to each of their personal stories. What was highlighted is that regardless of socio-economic background, each volunteer shared exactly the same experience. They all spoke of their home life and the things that they owned; they explained how over the course of their volunteer placement they realized that they spent far too much time focusing on the wants - their possessions or the money that they felt that should be earning. Their understanding of what it takes to make people truly happy had changed and that the volunteer experience taught them to appreciate relationships, both with friends and family, and to focus on the small things in the world that make give us joy. Every volunteer interviewed explained the profound impact that giving had had on their lives.

“Throughout our travels we have been blown away by how incredibly generous of spirit people can be. We have seen tolerance towards different cultures and creeds at grass roots level and believe that it is something that South African’s could truly benefit from seeing. We hope that by providing these opportunities to people that they will encourage a change within their own homes and communities when they return home” states Lance “travel changes you. I am a different person after each trip; each adventure. Each experience teaches me something new – both about myself, as well as about South Africa. Each trip encourages me to see the world in a new light, to be more tolerant, to be inspired and hopeful. I have learnt to trust again. I have learnt to smile and laugh freely. I have learnt to not let my fear of my financial future as well as my safety and well-being cripple my ability to enjoy today. I have learnt to accept the things I cannot change, and change the things I cannot accept. But most importantly, I have learnt to find happiness in the simple things.”

The Marmalade Toast Foundation can be found on the web at 

o   Home Page: www.themarmaladetoastfoundation.co.za

o   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSYK9HvjUTA

o   Indiegogo Crowd Funding Page: http://igg.me/at/marmalade-toast-foundation/x/5541298

o   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarmaladetoastfoundation

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