As many of you may know I have been in Utila, the Bay Islands of Honduras, since early July. It has been a wonderful time of learning and hard work for me.
Since arriving, however, I have seen something disappointing: the locals often lack the resources to experience the beauty of the undersea resources that mean so much to their community. It’s like living near the Grand Canyon and never being able to look into the beauty.
The young men and women that work at our dive shop cafe and see us excited to have seen the underwater world, high-fiving each other when the boat returns. What about them?
I have spoken to Utilans that wish they could learn to dive. But let’s face it, diving can be expensive.
On another occasion, I chatted with a Honduran instructor that lamented the lack of Hondurans working in the industry here.
After some thought and consulting with friends, family and dive professionals that I trust, I have started a GoFundMe to raise funds for the purpose of helping Utilans experience the undersea world.
Please see more at this link.
gf.me/u/vtr4pi
The funds would be used to provide simple guided dives to expose Utilans to their undersea world, or provide opportunities to individuals to be qualified Open Water Scuba Divers, or perhaps even helping those that excel to become Divemasters and work in the industry themselves. All of these would become ambassadors to their fellow citizens to appreciate and protect their precious resources here.
I know everyone has budget constraints or perhaps other charities that are priorities to them. I certainly don’t want to crowd out those priorities and applaud any charitable giving of time, money or talents. But this means something to me, and I hope it strikes a chord with you.
My pledge to you is that any funds raised will be allocated on an equitable and transparent basis. Regardless of the size, large or small, that is raised here, I will make sure the funds are used for the purpose intended. To that end, I will enlist the help of several people here to help me allocate any funds in the most effective way possible.
We will seek to drive bargains on the costs and choose candidates that will have the most chance of success and appreciation.
I appreciate your reading this and your consideration.
All The Best,
Elliott
www.thereliestheport.com