Adventures in Altruism

During these challenging times, it is notable how technology has allowed personal bonds to grow. Case in point is a group of travelers seeking new experiences and cultural connections who gained – and gave back – even more when they returned home. 

Travel planner Erica Gragg lists India as one of her favorite global destinations. Her company, Escape to Shape, incorporates wellness, exploring new cultures, and giving back into the small group adventures it leads. In 2018 and 2019, this meant a stop at Sambhali Trust on its India tour. (The next trip is currently planned for 2022.)

Erica learned about Sambhali Trust through one of her travel partners in India and knew she had to include a visit as part of the group’s itinerary. “The thing that stuck out the most is that they are doing something to empower young women. I love that by these women’s lives changing, it’s actually changing the generations to come. That was meaningful to me personally.”

Jeremy Fitzgerald and her mother, also named Jeremy, were a part of the group that visited Sambhali Trust in 2019. “There was a mutual excitement about them meeting us and playing with us, and we were so excited to be a part of it. The connections happened so quickly. My mom is a cancer survivor. She met a young woman who had just been treated for ovarian cancer and they stepped away and started talking.”

Erica echoed the sentiments. “There was a sense of connection and sharing that was really powerful and profound. We danced with them. They taught us Bollywood dances and sang songs.” The travelers had tears in their eyes when it was time to say goodbye.

The group had brought gifts for the students at Sambhali Trust – school supplies, nail polish, and the like – but their support didn’t stop there. Far from it. In November 2019, Erica asked the group who had traveled to India to consider supporting Sambhali U.S on Giving Tuesday, the annual day of generosity that takes place after Thanksgiving in the U.S. They responded with enthusiasm that helped launch Sambhali U.S.

Fast forward to 2020, and the Covid pandemic had seemingly shut down the world and enclosed everyone inside their homes. Another member of the group of travelers that visited Sambhali Trust, Andrea Maltzer, began hosting weekly online yoga classes for about 25 people, most of whom had traveled together, “to keep everyone’s spirits high and healthy and [foster] a sense of community. It became very therapeutic and meaningful,” stated Erica.

Andrea admitted that the technology was a challenge at first, “but we stuck with it and with time I grew to love the experience!” She didn’t charge for the classes, instead viewing them as an offering of gratitude and service. She introduced the notion of intentional acts of kindness – simple things like reaching out to a first responder or an older person living alone. It stuck, and intentional acts of kindness remain instilled within the group that dubbed themselves the Saturday Yoga Tribe.

When Andrea wrapped up the classes in May 2021, the group wanted to thank and honor her for all she’d done to help them get through a very difficult time. It was a time when Covid cases were reaching new lows in the U.S. and restrictions were being lifted, while India was overwhelmed by the highest cases and death rates the world had seen. The Saturday Yoga Tribe decided to donate to Sambhali U.S. in Andrea’s name.

Also during May, many members of the Fitzgerald family donated to Sambhali U.S. as a Mother’s Day gift to the senior Jeremy. Soon after, it was the younger Jeremy’s birthday, and she did a Facebook birthday request for donations to Sambhali U.S.

All told, Escape to Shape-related donations to Sambhali U.S. have totaled over $5,000. “You can see from the donations the level of care and concern and really wanting to help keep Sambhali doing what it’s doing,” said Erica.

Jeremy credits Erica for helping make it all possible. “It’s not just a day visit. It stays with people. The support is very specific and direct, and it couldn’t happen without Erica and Escape to Shape.”