Giving Back & Creating Change
Aruba is not just a tropical paradise; it’s also home to remarkable individuals and organizations committed to making a difference. In this feature, we explore some of the inspiring local initiatives driving positive change and show you how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can help build a brighter future for this beautiful island.
Aruba Happiness Beads Project - Inspirational art helps healing for sick children
Talented local artist Deborah de Weerd has created beautiful hand-crafted glass beads imbued with the bright colors of Aruba’s national flag as her contribution to the philanthropic Carry a Bead© program. This foundation collects these tokens of hope to send to sick children undergoing treatments in hospitals around the world. Each of these beads are also infused with a bubble of fresh ocean air to encapsulate the island’s inherent healing happiness. The children receive the beads as milestones in their treatments, and they string them to create strands to memorialize their courage through difficult journeys. But it’s often the handwritten notes from strangers that they cherish the most. The concept is to harness a transfer of positive energy. The kits consist of two identical beads and a blank return card. Wear them during an inspirational experience, then return one bead back to the Beads of Courage© foundation along with a note about why you chose that activity to transfer encouraging vibes to the child they will send it to. Purchase Aruba Happiness Beads from the artist herself at Loretti Design Studio.
ScubbleBubbles - Promoting ocean conservation to Aruba’s youth
Founded in 2018 by PADI Master Instructor Nichole Danser, ScubbleBubbles is a non-profit foundation dedicated to making ocean conservation accessible to Aruba’s youth. Since SCUBA certification can be costly, much of the work required for ocean conservation can remain out of reach. This organization addresses that by offering free or reduced dive training to local students. Once certified, these young divers can participate in reef cleanups, as well as coral restoration projects at the in-water coral nurseries. ScubbleBubbles also collaborates with the Aruba Conservation Foundation and the University of Aruba to train participants in coral health, classification, and restoration techniques. Certified divers, including tourists, are welcome to volunteer. The organization offers a variety of conservation-focused courses, their PADI Reef Rescue Specialty course includes hands-on diving at the nurseries, and course fees help fund youth dive training. Non-diving locals and visitors alike can now also volunteer at their new on-land coral facility and are always invited to participate in their regularly scheduled beach clean-ups, too. And of course, donations are always appreciated.
The Mary Joan Foundation - A caring community for breast cancer warriors
Battling breast cancer can be a lonely journey for those without support, and losing hair due to radiation treatments can wreak havoc on a woman’s sense of self-esteem. That’s why Aruba’s Mary Joan Foundation was formed. Created in loving memory of Mary Joan Geerman, a pioneer in raising awareness for local women bravely battling the disease while she was afflicted with it herself, she paved the way to today’s vibrant breast cancer support community. Beyond offering comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging, the foundation provides hair pieces free of charge to those who want them. Their wig-making initiative is staffed by certified volunteers who make the wigs from donated hair, and many of the volunteers are breast cancer survivors themselves. Mary Joan would certainly be proud, and you can help by donating your hair to them via their website while on island, or with monetary donations to the many initiatives of these committed cancer warriors. And each year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they host special events to further fundraise.
Aruba Conservation Foundation - Safeguarding the island’s fragile ecosystems and biodiversity
The people of this island are happy to share their natural treasures with visitors, but they also strive to be protective of their rich and diverse ecosystems and biodiversity. The Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) is the independent, not-for- profit organization dedicated to managing nature areas that encompass nearly 26% of the island, including Arikok National Park and Parke Marino Aruba—four designated marine protected areas. They work with the local community to launch projects that engage the public and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders through hands-on education. They’ve also partnered with the Aruba Tourism Authority to develop programs that will enlighten visitors on how best to enjoy the island’s natural attractions responsibly. One way to do so is via guided tours by their Nature Experience Rangers, who offer curated tours to get up close to learn about the fragile interdependence of Aruba’s flora and fauna. You’ll learn fascinating facts about endemic and sometimes endangered species like the quirky burrowing owl, rare wild parrots, and neon blue colored lizards. Park entrance fees go towards conservation to help Aruba conserve her precious nature.
data-fancybox
data-fancybox
data-fancybox
data-fancybox