Karma Cares continues to have a deep and lasting impact on lives and communities around the world through 2023, under the capable guidance of our Head of Philanthropy Victoria Williamson. Victoria started out helming our Karma Refuge programme in response to the Ukraine crisis – and is now driving and expanding Karma Cares projects all over the globe, working with underprivileged children, supporting families, providing education and mentorship, creating connections and opportunities everywhere.
Here are some of the highlights over the last 12 months:
Karma Group has established a Writers in Residence programme created in collaboration with Writing Western Australia, fostering literary talent at Karma Group resorts – with the first WIR event taking place at Karma Kandara.
This year also witnessed the 18th edition of Camp Royal – our annual Goan holiday experience dedicated to the inner-city kids of Bangalore supported by Christel House and Karma Group. Over the course of four magical days, 60 kids embarked on an action-packed adventure with fun educational activities, excursions and more. In addition, John Spence was invited to join the Europe Board of Directors of Christel House in December 2022 – a testament to his and Karma Group’s enduring dedication to the children’s charity.
Karma Cares also worked with 6th form schools in the UK, supporting volunteers to work at our Karma Refuge summer camps in Normandy, connecting students with young people forced to flee the war in Ukraine.
In a groundbreaking partnership with Ace Soccer Academy in India, Karma Cares nurtures young football talent in Vasco-da-Gama, Goa.
Over in Bali, we’ve continued our support of the amazing Bali Life Foundation, where a USD 30,000 donation from John Spence and his son Columbus (to mark Karma Group’s 30th anniversary) allowed Bali LIfe to build a brand new kitchen and creative facility – as well as buying a much needed minibus for the kids. Bali Life also set up a new Women’s Workshop that empowers women by teaching them handicraft and jewellery-making skills, fostering self-sufficiency. It meant a lot to receive a personal letter from Bali Life Founder Piter Panjaitan recognising Karma’s long standing relationship with the Foundation.
In Vietnam, we continue to support Children Hope In Action (CHIA) – besides material support, the children also experienced a day of fun at Karma Song Hoai, filled with swimming, activities, and a hearty feast. Also in Vietnam, the Tet Programme, launched in January 2023, aims to provide disadvantaged children with a brighter future and equal opportunities.
Reflecting our ongoing support for environmental and sustainability initiatives, on World Environment Day, Karma Group resort teams in India joined hands, conducting village clean-ups, tree planting, and wildlife support. Meanwhile in Bali, Team Karma’s spirited participation in the Row for R.O.L.E. charity canoe race helped raise much needed funds and awareness for R.O.L.E’s important environmental education and sustainability work on the island.
In the Karma universe, luxury and compassion intersect and Karma Cares stands as a testament to the enduring power of philanthropy – three decades and still going strong, inspiring hope, providing opportunities, changing lives.
