Their completely self-funded trip departed from Los Angeles International Airport bound for Manaus, Brazil. The "Amazon 5," who collected the clothes to be donated, from friends and relatives, is made up of Bezerra-Ermti’s 6-year old son Mehlo, 4-year old daughter Shayia and two friends; Sydney Bambardekar (age 9) and Jayan Bambardekar (age 7).
Once there, they plan to distribute the children’s clothing to kids living in remote villages in the Brazilian state of Amazonia. The team will also spend time in these local villages teaching basic English skills to young students. During their stay the team will use Manus, Brazil as base camp and move by boat to outlying villages on the Amazon River and its tributaries. The team will spend five weeks in the Amazon, returning to Southern California on August 1, 2010. "Pelican is very proud to have supported Amazon Five’s important efforts. Their courage and concern for others is an inspiration to us all," said Pelican Products Spokesperson, Sharon Ward.
The cases donated by Pelican will protect and secure video and photographic gear used to document the journey. They will also house lighting equipment that will be used as the team distributes clothing in remote areas where electrical power is either scarce or non-existent.
While in this unique part of the world, the team will be led by legendary Amazon guide "Keeko" on treks to view the elusive pink dolphin ("Boto"), to study indigenous tree frogs and to personally view the destruction brought on by "slash and burn" deforestation techniques.
About Pelican Products, Inc.
Pelican Products, Inc. is the global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced lighting systems and virtually indestructible cases. After acquiring Hardigg Industries in December 2008, the company now operates in 12 countries, with 22 offices and six manufacturing facilities across the globe. For more information, visit www.Pelican.com, www.hardigg.com or www.behrmancap.com
