A Prince George contingent of philanthropists is offering an introductory course in overseas aid work. A quick trip to Mexico, with a balance between having some fun and helping those in need, has been put together as a sort of "Foreign Volunteering 101" experience for people wondering about how it all works.
The Humanity Exchange is conducting the first Make A Difference In Mexico (In One Week) program from April 23 to 30.
Local organizers Allison Fedorkiw and Kate Russell are quickly assembling a Prince George delegation destined for the fishing village of Punta De Mita located 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.
"Literally thousands of Prince George residents go down to these resorts in Mexico. If you go beyond the beaches you can learn how the tourist economy is affecting those areas," said Fedorkiw, executive director of The Humanity Exchange. "A lot of people are interested in that, but a lot of people are scared to see the poverty and don't look much past the resort. We stay close, but we go to those deeper places."
The work done in Mexico is on partnership with a carefully vetted non-government organization based in the Punta De Mita area.
That independent agency knows the needs of the area so the activities can be tailored to what is really important for residents of the village, whether it is classes in the English language so they can position better for the anglophone tourist trade, or arts and crafts to give them a start in home economics or cottage-industry manufacturing. Prince George volunteers would also be doing manual work like park beautification or food service to disadvantaged youth, cleaning beaches, etc.
"However, on this trip we will also be exposing the volunteers to adventure activities, so there is an element of fun, and a deeper understanding of what these areas can offer beyond the resort facilities," said Mexico team leader Russell, a fourth-year UNBC student with a joint major in Political Science and International Studies, plus experience in overseas volunteer work.
She listed kayaking, snorkeling, jungle zip-lining, rappelling, suspension bridge walks, tours of the Sierra Madre Mountains, and other unique experiences.
"You don't have to do any of these things, nobody is forced into anything, but it is available," said Russell.
"If you've never done overseas philanthropic work, it can seem daunting," said Fedorkiw, a veteran of aid work in developing nations. "This is only a week, Mexico is a well-connected place for us here, it is totally supervised and it is not expensive."
The cost to take part in this part adventure/part relief work excursion is about $790 plus airfare.
This includes all accommodations, all breakfasts and dinners (plus some lunches), all adventure activities, all volunteering resources, transportation, a lesson in basic Spanish, a fundraising kit, qualified group leadership and in-country support.
For more information check www.thehumanityexchange.org, call 250-552-1667 or email [email protected].
