Argentina welcomes international tourists and hunters who visit the region to enjoy its nature, wildlife and landscape. Recognizing the bonds that form between the guest and local communities, Terra Pampa Hunting Lodge decided that a percentage of the total value from hunts donated would be allocated towards supporting local schools.
The San Angelo Texas Chapter of SCI played a key role in making this possible. Thanks to their commitment to supporting our communities, 20% of an Argentina Live Auction item is redirected every year to benefit local schools. “This is our first donation,” said a representative of Terra Pampa Hunting Lodge. “We know it’s a small gesture, but as we see it, it’s the beginning of something greater.”
SCI Life member Charles Parcus, owner of Hunt Fiercely, supported this idea from inception and worked with bringing it to life by organizing and coordinating the clients who took part in the donation. Parcus recently started Greater Call Outdoors to provide outdoor recreational experiences to adults who have experiences of life-changing illness or injury during public service in law enforcement, military or firefighting. These same opportunities will be provided for children who have experienced similar injuries through no fault of their own. Additionally, they will assist schools in rural areas of Argentina where the hunting industry is active, to increase literacy rates and assist autistic students.
“After seeing the poverty, lack of funds to assist schools, there is a desire to get Bell Family Blue Bags going to Argentina,” said Parcus. “My hope is that American hunters will make them a regular accessory on every hunt to this amazing country.”
Parcus has been taking hunters to Argentina now for several years and decided to show Argentines that hunters care for the people in the communities we visit. Blue Bags are a great conduit for that endeavor. He also started a charity in Texas to assist on an even larger scale.
Minds are being opened and changed concerning hunting already.
The San Angelo Chapter is leading the way with the help of Jimmy Fontenot and Erica Verfurth. “Blessed to be a part of San Angelo SCI, and thankful for the partnership with the Donnelly Family in Argentina,” said Parcus. In another humanitarian effort, Pampero’s Santa Rosa Branch made a generous donation of work clothing to the Agrotechnical School in Argentina. Their support strengthens the spirit of cooperation between the private sector and educational institutions. Now four schools in Argentina have benefitted from Blue Bags.
