The employees of 360 Blue — a luxury vacation rental company along Scenic Highway 30A and in Destin — recently launched the 360 Blue Foundation, a charitable foundation aimed at helping those in the world suffering the most.

360 Blue’s employees also announced an initial commitment of $100,000 in 2015, which will be used to help with the Foundation’s initial efforts to build schools for children struggling in extreme poverty in Africa.

“We are so proud that our employees have decided to work together to identify ways to help those less fortunate in the world,” said Jeremy Sprenkle, one of 360 Blue’s owners.

Sprenkle said that one out of every eight individuals — or 1.2 billion people — currently live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.25 a day.

“The good news is that the end of extreme poverty is fully achievable in our lifetime if we all jump behind the effort,” he added. “We have amazing owners, guests, and employees, and we all get to share in one of the most remarkable places on the planet. This Foundation allows us to come together to give thanks for what we have, by helping those who are suffering in other places around the world.”

Education is one of the most fundamental basic human rights and dignities, and yet it is denied to so many. Every parent in every corner of the globe wishes the same — an education and opportunity for a better life for their children. In the small villages in Africa, education is a critical first step in helping those stuck below the first rung of the poverty ladder. So as a starting point, 360 Blue employees committed to join forces with BuildOn Foundation to fund and build two primary schools in Burkina Faso.

“We invite everyone that loves our home along these amazing beaches to join our efforts to improve the lives of the beautiful children of Burkina Faso,” said Ashley Hamm, 360 Blue’s new CEO. “We’ve committed to this incredible opportunity, and we’d love to have help.”

Contributions to the Foundation will help provide all supplies needed, from building materials to desks for students. The local villagers and 360 Blue Ambassadors will work together to provide the labor and sweat equity. “In the process, the sharing of knowledge, culture, and experiences will be life-altering for those on both sides of the exchange,” said Tyler Weir, 360 Blue’s Director of Marketing.

For more info or to make a donation, please visit the 360 Blue Foundation.