Globe Aware Launches Newest Volunteer Program in China

As Volunteer Vacations Become More Popular, Launch of New Program
Offers More Options for Travelers Committed to Giving Back
DALLAS--(Business Wire)--
In a recent Travelocity poll 38 percent of respondents stated that
they plan to dedicate at least some portion of their vacations in 2008
to volunteering. With increased interest from travelers across the
world, Globe Aware, a nonprofit organization that operates 17
volunteer programs in 15 countries around the world, is expanding
volunteer opportunities by launching its China program located in the
outskirts of Beijing.

The new program supports the nation's only nonprofit middle school
aimed at improving the lives of the children of migrant workers. The
plight of the children of migrant workers is worsening as China's
booming economy is luring millions of people into cities from the
countryside. Regulations mandate that Chinese citizens receive
official permission to move from their registered region of the
country, or they lose basic social services upon relocating, resulting
in the creation of a generation of children with no access to public
education or health care, many of whom live in substandard, makeshift
housing. It is estimated that there are more than 150 million migrants
in China's urban centers.

Globe Aware volunteers help with everything from improving school
conditions, teaching life skills, helping with English classes, and
supervising recreational activities. The first program at the school
was quite a success, with one volunteer, Colleen from Chicago,
commenting:

"These teenagers started their day at 5:30AM and had classes until
around 8:30PM ...they were extremely motivated, kind and looked after
each other. They come from circumstances that are unimaginable, but
yet they all had smiles on their faces and were thankful for being
able to go to school everyday. On numerous occasions they told us that
they have dreams ...to go to high school and the university. It was a
pleasure to be there and I felt honored to be in their presence
everyday. We were able to help teach them English, but they taught us
more than they will ever know. We had such a great experience with
Globe Aware, we hope many people take advantage of the opportunities
Globe Aware has to offer."

The program fee for Globe Aware's one-week China program has been
set at $1,380.00. This fee covers all onsite food, project lodging,
onsite transportation, planned cultural activities, bilingual
coordinator, medical insurance and project materials. The cost of
airfare is additional, but project-related expenses, including airfare
are generally tax deductible for U.S. taxpayers.

There is also good news for those interested in volunteering with
this or any volunteer program offered through Globe Aware but cannot
pay the necessary fees associated with the trip. Online travel agency
Travelocity offers a limited number of grants to qualified people who
wish to help others through volunteering in other parts of the world,
but do not have the financial means to take a volunteer vacation.
Travelocity awards two grants (up to $5,000 each) per quarter to
customers and one grant per quarter to employees.

"We want to give people who are passionate about helping others a
little freedom from the financial constraints of taking a volunteer
vacation," said Amy Ziff, editor-at-large for Travelocity. "We think
that volunteering while on vacation is one of the best ways to truly
experience a destination in a life-changing way, and by giving these
grants we are ensuring that more people have the means to help out
around the world."

Applicants can apply for the Change Ambassadors Grant either as an
individual or as part of a team. Each grant will fund up to $5,000 for
the transportation to, as well as the cost of, any trip organized by
one of Travelocity's volunteer travel partners for individuals or
groups deemed worthy based on the merit of their applications and
their ability to meet the grant requirements. Additional details and
instructions to apply for the grant are available at
www.travelocity.com/travelforgood. All grants are subject to terms and
conditions, which are available on the site.

About Globe Aware(R)

Globe Aware(R) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit charity that mobilizes
short term volunteer programs around the world. These adventures in
service focus on promoting cultural awareness and sustainability and
are often compared to a mini "peace corps" experience. All volunteers
are accompanied by a bilingual volunteer coordinator to assist the
volunteer throughout their program. The program fee and the airfare to
get there are fully tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Globe Aware is a member of International Volunteer Programs
Association, Volunteers for Prosperity, the Building Bridges
Coalition, was recommended for United Nations Consultative Status for
Social and Economic Council, and administers the President's Volunteer
Service Awards. Additionally, Globe Aware offsets its carbon emissions
with Carbonfund.org, the country's leading carbon offset organization.
Our carbon footprint is estimated at less than 70 tons annually, and
we have chosen to support carbon-reducing projects in renewable energy
to offset the CO2 that is produced in running our offices worldwide,
from powering our offices to the transportation used to get to and
from our work sites. This commitment places Globe Aware as an
environmental leader in the volunteer abroad community and
demonstrates proactive steps being taken in the fight against global
climate change.

About Travelocity Global

Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler's champion --
before, during and after the trip - and provides the most
comprehensive and proactive guarantee in the industry
(www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This customer-driven focus, backed by
24/7 live phone support, competitive prices and powerful shopping
technology has made Travelocity one of the largest travel companies in
the world with gross bookings of more than U.S. $10 billion in 2007.
Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business(R) for
corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community;
lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader
in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings
Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to
schedule an interview with Globe Aware's founder and Executive
Director, Kimberly Haley-Coleman, please call Catherine McMillan at
214/824 or e-mail Catherine@globeaware.org. For more information about
Travelocity's grant program, contact Alyson Gomez at 972-488-4790 or
Alyson@vollmerpr.com.

Globe Aware
Catherine McMillan, 214-824-4562
Email: Catherine@globeaware.org
or
Travelocity
Alyson Gomez, 972-488-4790
Email: Alyson@vollmerpr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008