Uplift Travel Foundation Celebrates Official Launch with October Events

Uplift Co-Founder Kim Schneider in Kenya with children of the Maasai Mara in 2024

We have always believed in the power of travel — not simply for the joy of connection and sharing of culture, but as a driver of internal change and creating good in the world.

When Kim Schneider, accomplished journalist and travel writer based in Michigan, began reaching out to travel guides and project contacts in the Maasai Mara in rural Kenya, it became quickly apparent: This connection would be about so much more than travel.

Uplift Co-Founder Tanja Wittrock with a village chief in 2024

Along with co-founder Tanja Wittrock and a group of dedicated volunteers and friends, Kim and Uplift have continued to show travel has the power to effect change, not only for the traveler, but also the people and place you are visiting. This is often seen in dramatic ways, from the way simple water collection systems eliminated typhoid to the way access to sanitary products increased attendance to 100% at a local school for girls.

And now, as official partners of the Utopia Foundation 501c3 and headquartered in Traverse City, we are ready to take the step forward into capacity building and continue walking alongside our amazing project partners across the globe.

To join these efforts: Sign up for our newsletter or attend an event (see list below); consider a donation to the area of impact that most resonates with you; or reach out to learn more about upcoming trips and how to help.

Join 'Uplift Mara' Week Events

Wednesday, October 8 | State Theatre Community Night presenting two documentaries ("Powerful Women" and "Bleed with Pride") about the effort to end Period Poverty in Kenya

Friday, October 10 | Uplift Travel Foundation fundraiser at Brengman Family Winery to include African Food, Music and more!

Saturday, October 11 | Walk to End Period Poverty in Kenya, with NMC Multicultural Club and local schools at Boardman Lake

Subscribe to the Uplift newsletter to learn more about the Uplift Travel Foundation and our wonderful in-country partnerships. Donate now at UpliftTravel.org/Donate.