This is an important question and one for which there are several answers.

• The fact of the matter is that the money would almost definitely not be raised if you were not going in person. Friends are far, far, more likely to give to a project that you are involved in.
• As well as transforming the local community, this trip is likely to transform your outlook. By seeing the effects of poverty first hand – and seeing it alleviated – your attitude towards poverty and materialism is likely to be transformed along with your long-term giving.
• Often the biggest contribution you make on a trip is a completely unplanned act of kindness or generosity; there are countless stories of these, from a woman who bought a wheelchair for a housebound girl, to another who ended up singing in Spanish to a dying woman.
• Mission Direct trips are all about relationship. Time and again locals tell the teams ‘we can’t believe that you came in person to help us.’ We can assure you that you too will be glad that you made the effort.