Global Roots was founded by Rick Montgomery from Portland, Oregon in 1997.
His inspiration came during his travel in India in 1993. While backpacking in Madras, Rick held a starving baby in his hands. In subsequent years, as he traveled the world as an expedition leader and travel writer, he continued to be haunted by the image of that starving Indian baby. Rick finally gave up a "normal life" and devoted himself to grassroots activism. His passion soon became the protection and nurturing of children in areas of famine and social unrest.
To raise awareness, he published his stories in major magazines such as Outside, Men's Journal, and Travel and Leisure. However, Rick realized that he could have a greater impact by creating Global Roots, a nonprofit with a global vision.
In 2002, while leading a group of American tourists across the Tibetan Plateau, Rick met his mentor, Tendol Gualzur. Tendol is a remarkable Tibetan woman, who adopted more than 200 orphans. Her absolute selflessness motivated Rick to help. He began delivering supplies and food to the orphanage whenever he was in the area. In the ongoing course of operating his adventure travel company, Rick located other “local under-funded philanthropic heroes” and began supporting these partners as a means to most effectively help the children.
Your Trusted Partner
Global Roots is a 501c3 non-profit organization registered in the state of Washington. Our goal is to support local humanitarians in their efforts to change the lives of children around the world.We abide to the "100% volunteerism" motto in which no wages or salaries are given to the members or volunteers. We strive to commit 90% of all donations to projects and less than 10% on administration.
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