For most of us, a holiday is about escape from work and commitments.
But for one Lane Cove family, travel has become something much more powerful — a way to give back through Vanuatu donations supported by the Lane Cove community.
For Debbi Ashes, owner of Helloworld Travel Lane Cove, seeing the world has never just been about destinations. It’s been about people, connection and how to help others along the way.
“I first went there on a holiday probably 35 years ago… and saw the poverty,” Debbi says.
“My parents did a lot of charity work and I was brought up knowing nothing different.”
A Different Kind of Travel
Over the years, Debbi and her family have travelled to many places but it’s their trips to Vanuatu that have left the deepest mark. What started as a simple act of kindness has grown into something much more meaningful, it’s a commitment not just to visit, but to also to stay connected and give back. “There’s 14 in our family… we all go together to the villages or the hospital.”
Debbi has even sponsored two Ni-Van girls both named after her (she tells us with a little giggle) and she has watched them grow into young women, funding their education and staying part of their lives for the past 18 years.
Not Your Typical Suitcase
When the Ashes family travel to Port Vila, they don’t just pack for themselves, they pack for a community.
On their last trip in 2025, they checked in over 240kg of luggage — entirely filled with donations.
Think about that for a moment. That’s not convenience. That’s commitment.
“We pay for the excess luggage ourselves and we checked in many, many bags… it was an absolute logistical nightmare.”
The Moments That Stay With You
They visit villages, schools, a woman’s refuge and a children hospital.
The Ashes family walk into children’s wards carrying suitcases filled with toys. “The moment none of us will ever forget was the kids’ hospital.”
“That moment was heartbreaking… but to bring a smile on those kids’ faces with just a soft toy…is incredibly touching”
Giving in a Different Way
Not everything fits in a suitcase.
Which is why the Ashes family also raises money to support families locally — in a way that empowers them. Through their GoFundMe campaign, funds are used to purchase supermarket vouchers in Port Vila, giving families the ability to choose what they need most.
“They would go to the supermarket, then send us photos of what they bought… they were so excited.”
This Is Where Our Community Comes In
This story doesn’t belong to just the Ashes family — it’s become a community effort, with Vanuatu donations from Lane Cove locals making a real impact.
Every toothbrush donated, every pair of shoes dropped off, every dollar contributed — it all becomes part of something bigger.
The Ashes family have already paid for excess luggage for their next trip on 28 May 2026.
Now they need it filled and this is where they need you.
View this post on Instagram
What Donations Are Needed for Vanuatu
They are currently seeking new:
- Laptops, phones or tablets (working condition)
- New clothes and shoes for all ages
- New toys, books and games (no batteries)
- Sporting gear like soccer boots and balls
- Personal hygiene items
Why This Matters
There’s something incredibly powerful about choosing to turn a family holiday into something meaningful. Showing our kids that travel isn’t just about what we can take from the world, but what we can give back to it.
“It’s only a little thing that we’re doing… but it’s a start. And it brings happiness.”
And when a whole community gets behind it? It becomes something truly special.
How to Help
Donations will be accepted with open arms and grateful smiles. Please drop them off to the Helloworld Travel Lane Cove shop in the Village Shopping Centre at: 1/43-45 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove, NSW, 2066
- Monday 9:00AM – 6:00PM
- Tuesday 9:00AM – 6:00PM
- Wednesday 9:00AM – 6:00PM
- Thursday 9:00AM – 6:00PM
- Friday 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Or call the team at 9418 6866
[email protected]
Even better, make a financial donation: To donate financially
Because the best kind of travel doesn’t just change you… it changes someone else’s life too.
This is a Sponsored article by Helloworld Travel Lane Cove
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