'Tis the Season of Giving
With another year coming to an end, the Stray crew have been reflecting on our core values - what we have achieved this year, and what more we can do for 2024.
One of our main values is ‘Make A Difference’ and sharing & supporting our local indigenous culture is an integral part of what Stray is about. We are pleased to announce our latest campaign ‘Two Weeks of Giving’ with 5% of the retail tour price of any bookings made between 21st December '23 & 4th January '24 being donated by Stray to help some amazing community efforts.
Australia: Giingana Gumbaynggirr Freedom School (GGFS)
This is the first and only bilingual school of an Aboriginal language in NSW, focused on revitalising the Gumbaynggirr language while providing high-quality education. The school has grown from 15 to 53 students, with 72 enrolled for the next year and a waiting list.
The donated funds from Stray Australia tour bookings will directly benefit the school, aiding the building of new classrooms, and as a result directly helping more students learn Gumbaynggirr language.
Students at Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School (GGFS).
Every Stray Australia tour that travels through NSW via Coff Harbour, includes an afternoon of cultural immersion, exploring the Gumbaynggirr language, stories, song and the significance of native plants.
If you book a Stray Australia tour before 4th January 2024 you won't just be booking an epic adventure, you'll also be actively supporting the preservation of the amazing Aboriginal culture and language to pass on the future generations with the 5% donation included. You'll be truly embodying Stray's 'See More. Do More.' ethos!
The amazing Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience in Coffs Harbour
New Zealand: Te Kōhanga Reo o He Maungarongo
Since 2013 Stray has worked with Kohutapu Lodge with a vision to revitalise the small North Island town of Murupara both economically and socially. This collaboration offers Stray travellers an authentic insight into modern day Māori culture.
The funds raised from NZ Stray bookings during the Two Weeks of Giving will go towards Te Kōhanga Reo o He Maungarongo, in Murupara. The kōhanga reo movement is based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations and providing a sense of belonging to the whenua (land).
Local children at Te Kohanga Reo o He Maungarongo immersed in Māori cultures and language
Te Kōhanga Reo o He Maungarongo currently has 25 uri (children) aged between 6 months old and 5 years old attending. Funds raised will go towards new uniforms for the children, upgrades of the doors, and painting of the playground.
Lake Aniwhenua, a standout on the Stray New Zealand Journeys in the North Island, epitomises our value of 'See More. Do More. Further off the Beaten Track.' It's an exclusive and beloved destination for Stray travellers, offering serene lakeside views and an authentic immersion into modern-day Maori culture.
Stray NZ pax learning traditional weaving & having a 'hangi' banquet at Kohutapu Lodge
It is not only a tranquil retreat with stunning sunsets, Lake Aniwhenua is a unique opportunity to explore rural New Zealand life while contributing to the local community's well-being. Aligned with Stray's commitment to meaningful travel experiences, this destination reflects a shared vision between Stray and Kohutapu Lodge owners - to economically and socially revitalise Murupara town and provide genuine connections to local communities for Stray travellers.