TURNIPSEED TRAVEL
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Partner With Us
  • New Visitors
  • Social Media

Coffee, Caring, and ME to WE: A Holiday Gift Giveaway With A Difference

11/12/2017

45 Comments

 

We love coffee - and we love travel gifts that go the distance. One lucky reader will get to win both!

Picture
My jaunty bird mug comes from Dedza Pottery in Malawi. It's been with me since I was 23! Curious about what's in my mug (or the pretty bracelet?) - read on!
Long time blog readers will know two absolute truths about Ryan and myself. The first is that we are obsessed with coffee.  Ryan loves a classic cup of black coffee, whereas I hold out for some combination of espresso and steamy milk, but together we are formidable force, tracking down every cappuccino counter and corner cafe around the world. 

The second is that we are enamored with anything that does double duty or that classifies as a two-for-one. 24 hour layovers on route to our main destination. Free guided tour day at the museum. Taking the brewery tour while half price appetizers are offered. In short, we want great bang for our buck and we want to be caffeinated while we get it. With that in mind, we are thrilled to offer an amazing giveaway to our beloved readers that combines BOTH of our passions!
Picture
We love, love, love this holiday gift pack from ME to WE - and we know that one lucky reader (the winner!) is going to feel the same way.

WE.org is a movement based on coming together to create a better world. It's a global, inclusive organization with Canadian roots (yay us!). You're probably well acquainted with WE Day, a world class event studded with celebrities and people who are stars in their own fields.  It can best be described as "a stadium full of change-makers (who) will reaffirm your belief that a better world is possible." The beautiful products in our giveaway come from ME to WE, WE.org's social enterprise, working towards sustainable change. ​
Picture
Recognize this? I was wearing it in the first photo! I really like how ME to WE ethically sources their mineral and stones.
ME to WE's sustainable mindset really resonates with us. Nearly five years ago, we blogged about how travelers can give back, especially when it comes to supporting the free museums, galleries, gardens, parks, and houses of worship that play such an important role in our value based travel philosophy. Some of our key tips echo our "double duty" mindset, like buying souvenirs in a National Parks gift shop so that you support the park while crossing off your shopping list at the same time. 

ME to WE products fit in perfectly with this approach. The items found in a WE store are every bit as 'gift-ish' as you'd find in your usual shopping haunts. I personally love the gorgeous bracelets, made with 24 carat gold covered beads and semi-precious stones. It's exactly like something I'd pick out from my favourite boutiques but now my money is going so much father. Just how far? All ME to WE product packaging has a code for the buyer to track their impact and see how and where their money is making a difference.  
Picture
Picture
Gorgeous gold jewelry might make your heart swoon but it isn't necessarily an every day purchase. But coffee is. Oh, is it ever! And we are so, so happy to see coffee included in ME to WE's lineup.

Coffee is essential in our household, but we never mind giving it away. As a gift, coffee is practical, it's popular, it travels well, and it's easy to wrap and make festive (maybe with some homemade cookies!) ME to WE coffee is very affordable at $12.99 a bag, which puts it at the perfect price point for all those awkward holiday gift moments - like the office Christmas gift exchange or the next door neighbour you don't really know - and I like how it elevates an everyday essential into something special and memorable.  Like all other products, the impact of your purchase can be tracked online. In the case of the coffee, it helps support sustainable employment and clean water in Ecuador. 
Picture
Supporting a charitable cause is not something we take lightly. We don't want to simply let our enthusiasm for coffee to get in the way of our responsibility. In our personal lives and in our business lives, we place huge trust in MoneySense magazine's advice on this matter.

We've been reading MoneySense together since before we were married (that's over 10 years!) and their common sense financial advice and perspectives on money, life, savings, and community have never steered us wrong. Every year, MoneySense does a comprehensive review of Canadian charities, assessing them on such criteria as efficiency (how much money goes towards administrative costs), their fundraising skills (how much does it cost to raise a certain amount of money), how transparent and well governed they are, and how well they manage their cash reserves (in other words, can they balance having enough cash on hand to sustain future operations without sitting on too much of it?)

We are very happy to see that WE.org gets a rare "A" grade. That tells us that, aside from doing good deeds, they are managing the money they receive responsibly, transparently, and with solid planning in place. 
Picture
We're always on the lookout for great 'double duty' moments and ways to give back - and we're happy to have one right here. One lucky Canadian reader will win an amazing ME to WE gift pack that's perfect for sharing at the holidays. It includes....

One package of coffee (of course!)
One chocolate bar.
One classic 'rafiki' (ME to WE's signature beaded bracelet - or anklet or chocker necklace or headband! - each one supports a different WE priority, like water or nutrition initiatives).
One 'intention' series necklace, featuring a semi-precious bead and an inspirational word carved in the pendant.
One semi-precious stone rafiki, featuring 24 carat gold coated beads. Like the classic rafikis, each supports a different WE cause.
A $10 gift card for ME to WE.

Value: Approximately $150!!!


Leave a comment telling us where you're planning to travel to in 2018 and fill out the ballot below!
​


Some notes about the giveaway...You must have a Canadian mailing address to enter. Your contact information will be shared with ME to WE's team so they can get in touch with you directly to arrange delivery. We were given two complimentary gift packs - one for us to keep and review, and one to give away. All research, writing, and opinions are our own.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
45 Comments
Marissa
11/12/2017 03:08:23 pm

So excited to explore more of our home and native land with our little girl in 2018. Hoping to return to our honeymoon spot in Quebec City with her!

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:46:21 pm

I'll be heading to Quebec City in the spring!

Reply
Allie link
11/12/2017 03:11:11 pm

Just started toying with the idea of going back to Myanmar this summer!

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:46:51 pm

This is one of our favourite destinations.

Reply
Maya link
11/12/2017 03:22:47 pm

I don't have a specific place planned yet. When I get enough money I want to go to Venice. It's next on my travel bucket list!

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:47:40 pm

We spent 24 hours there in 2016 and we loved it - I would absolutely return there for a longer visit.

Reply
Alex
11/12/2017 05:05:02 pm

I'll be heading to Guyana this new year to volunteer and support a gender equality training program!

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:48:05 pm

That sounds like an incredible trip.

Reply
Alex
16/12/2017 01:24:04 pm

Thank you! I'm really excited and looking forward to working in the community and in this particular sector. It will also be great to live in the area and have an opportunity to get to know the people and region better.

Rosi
11/12/2017 05:17:27 pm

Cancun!

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:48:39 pm

I'm dreaming of warm weather destination as well.

Reply
Brittney
11/12/2017 05:21:43 pm

We’re going to New York City 🙂

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:49:41 pm

NYC was the first stop on our round the world trip in 2013. We did a fantastic tour with On Location Tours, which highlighted all of the city's great movie and TV film locations.

Reply
Amy
11/12/2017 05:57:17 pm

I’m saving our travels for 2019 when we hope to travel with Me to We to Ecuador in the summer!

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:50:25 pm

Oh my goodness -that's where their coffee and chocolate is grown and produced. How amazing! You'll have to do some *serious* taste testing on our behalf ;-)

Reply
Michelle
11/12/2017 06:41:34 pm

We want to share our love of travel and learning of different cultures with our kids. This summer we hope to explore the Rockies! And in a few years south east Asia!

Reply
Vanessa
11/12/2017 06:50:50 pm

We are so overdue ourselves to visit Western Canada

Reply
Judy
11/12/2017 07:25:36 pm

We will be travelling back to Winnipeg again this year. Once in the summer to hit up cottagecountry and hopefully a quick trip to see the Winnipeg Jets in action

Reply
Vanessa
14/12/2017 10:29:46 am

That sounds like an amazing trip.

Reply
Nicole Jubleew
11/12/2017 08:26:12 pm

I'm planning to travel to Scotland next year.

Reply
Vanessa
14/12/2017 10:30:13 am

Scotland is long overdue on our list.

Reply
Ashley
11/12/2017 10:35:48 pm

We're planning our first family road trip!! Not sure where we're going, but I'm excited!

Reply
Vanessa
14/12/2017 10:30:35 am

I can't wait to hear more about it.

Reply
Tierra Gordon
12/12/2017 12:03:57 am

No plans atm but I would love a weekend in NYC soon!

Reply
Vanessa
14/12/2017 10:31:32 am

That sounds wonderful!

Reply
joy
12/12/2017 09:47:32 am

we don't really get to travel, due to financial issues; however, we do need to go to Niagara Falls in April for a dance competition - we will go by train and bus to get there, because I refuse to navigate the big highways of Toronto !!

Reply
Vanessa
14/12/2017 10:32:40 am

I've done the train before down to southern Ontario (not Niagara, but close) and it is so much more relaxing and cozy to travel that way - especially in winter - than to be driving in a car in a snow storm.

Reply
Jackie
12/12/2017 11:22:10 am

While I had hoped my next trip would be something large and European, changes to job and life mean being a little more realistic. Still hope to travel but now looking at NYC, Nashville or Chicago for a long weekend and some exploring.

Reply
Vanessa
14/12/2017 10:33:20 am

I've read a lot of great things about the food scene in Nashville.

Reply
Sarah link
14/12/2017 09:22:25 am

Amazing (!!) Travelling seems to run in my blood- lived in Mexico, toured across Canada, been on two humanitarian trips to the Dominican Republic, and had the opportunity to go to Brazil with World Vision for a young adult/youth summit (and play in a soccer tournament?!). It seems SO random but I always want to find ways to help others where ever I go. My heart is definitely for people and realizing that we don't choose where we were born changes the game entirely. Plans for 2018? California for a wedding (but I would love, love, love to head london or italy!)

Reply
Vanessa
14/12/2017 10:34:06 am

If you have to travel for a destination wedding, I think California is a pretty awesome destination.

Reply
Margie Crawford
14/12/2017 03:45:50 pm

We're planning a trip to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks.

Reply
Vanessa
15/12/2017 06:43:21 pm

We love trips based around visiting National Parks.

Reply
Erin
14/12/2017 05:00:16 pm

I'm flying to Red Deer Alberta - touring north of that for a bit then to the Pacific Ocean on the Canadian side and then all the way back to Ottawa via the US SIDE

Reply
Vanessa
15/12/2017 06:43:55 pm

That sounds like such an incredible road trip.

Reply
April
15/12/2017 12:01:55 am

Dreaming about surfing in Tofino, BC 😁❤ Heard so many wonderful things about it. My goal for 2018. Surf's Up!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

Reply
Vanessa
15/12/2017 06:45:53 pm

Surfing!!! That sounds so adventurous - can't wait to hear all about it.

Reply
Margarita Ibbott - @DownshiftingPRO link
15/12/2017 09:48:03 am

I am heading to Quebec City and Florida next year. I'm hoping to return to Ireland with my daughter and husband this time.

I just love Me to We. My kids have all gone to WeDay both in Toronto and in Ottawa. Thanks for the giveaway!

Reply
Vanessa
15/12/2017 06:50:06 pm

So great to hear from another WE.org fan. ;-)

Reply
Jeff
15/12/2017 02:09:03 pm

We will be all over the place on road trips next year. Hopefully N. Ontario and Vermont will be the highlights. Although I always seem to end up in Buffalo!

Reply
Vanessa
15/12/2017 06:53:08 pm

Vermont is one of my favourite spots, especially in the fall. It's probably because I love apple cider donuts.

Reply
Jenny Ham
15/12/2017 11:26:41 pm

No plans to travel yet

Reply
Vanessa
16/12/2017 07:06:03 pm

Hopefully that will change.

Reply
ShellyC
15/12/2017 11:35:17 pm

I would like to see Arizona and the Grand Canyon in 2018 but no set plans yet.

Reply
Vanessa
16/12/2017 07:07:50 pm

We did a trip to the Grand Canyon in 2011 and we loved it.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Recent Posts
    Posts by Location
    Turnipseed Travel Category Canada
    Turnipseed Travel Category USA
    Turnipseed Travel Category Europe
    Turnipseed Travel Category Africa
    Turnipseed Travel Category Australia
    Turnipseed Travel Category Asia

    Post Categories

    All
    $200 Challenge
    200m Challenge
    Accommodation
    Africa
    Amsterdam
    Anti Adventurist
    Asia
    Australia
    Belgium
    Business Travel
    Camping
    Canada
    Central Counties
    Cozy Travel
    Destinations
    Europe
    Experiences & Activities
    Female Travel
    Food And Drink
    Gear And Packing
    Golf
    Greece
    Guest Posts & Interviews
    Health
    Inspiration
    Making Travel Memories
    Montreal
    Most Popular Posts
    National Parks
    Norfolk County
    Ontario
    Ottawa
    Paris
    Partners
    Pet Travel
    Photo Essay
    Preparation
    Press Trip Portfolio
    Reviews Accommodation
    Reviews Gear Packing
    Round The World
    Saving
    Toronto
    Transportation
    Travel Memories Series
    UK & Ireland
    United States

    Posts by Date

    December 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012

Disclaimers, Privacy, and Cookie Policy

Top 100 Travel Influencer
As named by the Obama White House in 2014.​
White House Study Abroad Logo 2014
Turnipseed Travel Logo 2019
DMCA.com Protection Status
© COPYRIGHT 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Partner With Us
  • New Visitors
  • Social Media