Philippines Recovery and Rebuild

Recently, I have been accepted into Global Volunteer Network's (GVN) volunteer program in the Philippines. GVN is a registered non-profit, Non-Government Organization (NGO). The GVN was launched in December 2000 by Colin Salisbury, its Founder and Executive Director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers could make in helping local organizations achieve their goals. Upon returning to New Zealand he spent some time researching the different volunteer organizations around the world and was amazed at how expensive and limiting many programs were in terms of volunteer opportunities. On April 14, 2011 GVN became a New Zealand registered charity (non-profit) – the GVN Charitable Trust.

Through GVN, I will be making the journey to the Philippines to participate as a volunteer in their recovery and rebuild efforts due to the recent typhoon. Not only will I be realizing my dream to travel overseas, but I will be helping communities that have been devastated by the recent typhoon. For 2 weeks I will be involved in the recovery and rebuilding of different locations and have the amazing opportunity to immerse myself in the Philippines culture. This will be a life-changing experience and I can’t wait to start on this exciting adventure. 

I have already begun planning, researching and saving, but I will also need your help. To pay for my airfare and my program fee, I am looking to meet a fundraising goal of $3,000. I realize you are asked on a daily basis to contribute to various causes on top of bills and everyday expenses, but you can make this dream a reality by contributing just $5. This is less then what you would spend on a night at the movies or one Starbucks coffee run. Your donation would help a family/community in Philippines who has lost their home and assist me in learning about a new culture. 

Thank you for helping me reach my goals and I can’t wait to come back and share stories and pictures from my trip. With your donation you are making this dream a reality.