Kindness

Angel of Mercy

Inspired by a local news article about women sewing ‘pillowcase dresses’ to help protect young girls in underserved countries, our Rochester Travel Group (RTG) team began providing supplies such as pillowcases, cotton fabric, and more to support this cause. Over the past 15 years, our initiative has expanded to include purchasing summer dresses, fabric, small stuffed animals, and additional items for Dress-A-Girl-Around-the-World. These handmade dresses not only provide clothing, but also dignity and hope, helping to deter predators by showing that someone cares for these girls. We are proud to support Angels of Mercy in this ongoing mission.

AutismUp and Golisano Children’s Hospital

A portion of RTG’s profits from the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line reservations goes directly to AutismUp and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Our RTG’s founder’s family was personally impacted by these organizations, as triplet girls born prematurely required extended NICU care, and two were later identified on the Autism Spectrum. Thanks to exemplary care and vital early intervention, both girls now thrive as teenagers, attending programs at AutismUp while participating fully in school.

Care for Kids (Sandals Foundation)

The Sandals Foundation Care for Kids Scholarship Program creates a powerful, long-lasting impact by identifying promising students entering high school or college and giving them the financial support, mentorship, and guidance needed to complete their education and become productive citizens who uplift their island nations. Through a structured five-year scholarship covering secondary school, with potential continued support for advanced studies, the program helps remove barriers by funding essentials such as tuition, medical fees, uniforms, and books, while closely monitoring each recipient’s progress so timely interventions can be made when needed.

In the past, we sponsored Jayla, a young girl from Kingston, Jamaica. Our sponsorship continued over a five-year period, following her through graduation. Currently RTG is sponsoring: Alrick, from Exuma, Bahamas; Abigail, from Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Kyrah, from Antigua. We will support them through their high school years.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

RTG donates a portion of profits from all Disney product reservations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Inspired by a moving story at a fundraiser, our Founder served over 20 years on the local chapter’s Board of Directors, helping raise research dollars. Today, the boy whose story inspired our Rochester Travel Group Owner is a thriving professional and father, reflecting the progress made through community support.

Homesteads for Hope

Homesteads for Hope is a nonprofit, dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and developmental disabilities through meaningful opportunities for personal growth, employment, and community engagement, built on the belief that every person deserves a life of purpose and fulfillment. Founded in 2013 by a mother-daughter team seeking services and support for their young adult son with autism, the organization has grown into an inclusive farm and learning campus that now serves over 2,500 individuals through programs in agriculture, culinary arts, animal care, and entrepreneurship. From its beginnings with The Farm Store and CSA Food Share to the development of the Forever Homestead Community Center, private event offerings, and “Field Trip Fridays,” Homesteads for Hope creates a nurturing environment where people of all abilities can learn, work, live, and grow together. By integrating hands-on learning with social and vocational development, and collaborating with families, educators, and local businesses, Homesteads for Hope prepares individuals for meaningful employment, fosters independence, and serves as a model of an inclusive community. Rochester Travel Group is proud to support this mission through donations of hydroponic growing system kits, outdoor summer games, fundraising items, and monetary contributions—support that is especially meaningful to our agency’s Founder, who has two granddaughters on the spectrum.

One Soldier at a Time

RTG supports this organization, founded to help active service members, veterans, and their families. We add gifts for holidays and care packages for deployed troops and local veterans, including travel-size toiletries, books, games, and more. Our work involves sourcing needed supplies to fill Hygiene Packages of Hope—delivered to those in need locally and abroad.

Pack for a Purpose – Voluntourism Trip

RTG participates in Pack for a Purpose, a global charity collecting donated school supplies, clothing, and more for destinations where clients travel. Voluntourism trips—like our recent mission trip to Cancun—allow travel advisors and volunteers to directly support schoolchildren and families, providing life-changing supplies, crafts, hearing aids, and facility improvements. Counselors also help at centers for at-risk pregnant women and children, donating essentials and creating safe, nurturing environments.

Pirate Toy Fund

A portion of RTG’s profits from the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line reservations goes directly to AutismUp and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Our RTG’s founder’s family was personally impacted by these organizations, as triplet girls born prematurely required extended NICU care, and two were later identified on the Autism Spectrum. Thanks to exemplary care and vital early intervention, both girls now thrive as teenagers, attending programs at AutismUp while participating fully in school.