12 countries, 12 charities, 12 months

Hello everyone,    2 years ago, I had the pleasure of volunteering in an orphanage in Siem Reap Cambodia  for two weeks... it had such an amazing impact and I would like to be of service again, however this time I would like to dedicate a year of my time traveling and volunteering throughout South America. I will be volunteering in 12 countries with 12 different charities, organizations, local grassroot NGO's in 12 months. Some of the things I will be helping with include working with street kids in Columbia, caring for abandoned and abused cats and dogs in Brazil, helping to create after school programs in Ecuador, growing an organic farm in Uruguay...and these are just a few, however the list is growing!    Since I wont be able to make an income during this time, I must save enough to last a whole year. I am a frugal backpacker, so my cost of living shouldn't be over $35 and a day, being that I stay in hostels or with local families, take buses, boats and any other local transport, buy food from supermarkets and small run family businesses. At that rate I would need $12,775...for the entire year. I also have to consider the cost of   Flights from US to Uraguay, Peru to US a year later $1350   Visa fees and vaccinations for a total of 12 countries ( Brasil, Argentina, Peru, Columbia, Bolivia, Chili,Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana,Uruguay, Suriname and Paraguay) $1100   For a grand total of $15,225   Although I would like to leave in December, I have decided not to set a deadline for my funding, becasue the most important thing is that this happens.... so as soon as I reach my goal, I will pack up and head out!  If you would like to be updated on the countries and projects I am working with please let me know...I would be more than happy to share my journey with you along the way!   Thank you in advance to everyone helping me to live the dream while helping others to live theirs!