Left photo by Lisa F. Young. Middle photo by Irina Kozhemyakina. Right photo by Alberto Pomares Photo by Elena Elisseeva

Philanthropic Funby Susan Campbell

What better way to feel über good about your vacation in paradise than by lending your heart and hands to reach out to the community that makes it all possible? (And better yet, you’ll have a great time doing it!)

There’s a new kind of holiday on the horizon where visitors aid the community by pitching in and helping out – it’s called “volun tourism”. And though a real vaca-tion is supposed to help one relax and forget about working, this kind of toil is seldom stressful. In fact, those who have tried it swear that holiday philanthropy is a whole lot of fun! Whether you help the community or assist in eco-preservation programs, becoming a “voluntourist” will open up a whole new world of social con-tacts and opportunities that will make you feel truly connected to the place you’re visiting. And, it’s an great way for parents to show their children the importance of giving back. Here are a few places where outside assistance is always welcome.

Preserve paradisePart and parcel of paradise on Aruba

is the abundance of crystal clear waters, amazing marine life, and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. You can help keep it that way by joining the hundreds of vol-unteers (both locals and visitors alike) who participate in the environmental clean-up campaigns like Aruba Reef Care Project, the Sponsor-A-Mile Program, and the Coastal Clean-Up Day. Volun-teers band together to rid Aruba’s shore-lines and underwater environment of trash and debris. Sponsors will provide training, transportation, tools, and re-freshments – and there are always lots of parties afterward to celebrate a job well done! E

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Top photo by Bettina Schwarz. Bottom photo by iStockphoto

Assist the animalsThe Save Our Donkeys Foundation is

delighted to welcome volunteering visi-tors. You can help feed their four-legged friends, learn about the island’s donkey population, and keep the animals safe and healthy at their donkey sanctuary. Or you can help baby sea turtles make it safely to the sea with TurtugAruba, the island’s sea turtle protection organization. They welcome volunteers to walk the beaches to help spot, monitor, and safeguard sea turtle activity during nesting season.

Connect with the communityThis island has many nonprofit orga-

nizations that can certainly use your help. FFOTH stands for Foundation Friends of the Handicapped, an organization that ga-thers and then donates funds to many as-sociations; past recipients have included the Imeldahof Orphanage, the Red Cross, Clown Doctors, and more. Find out about their fabulous events like Super Bowl raffles, a sweethearts dinner in February, and a bingo party, all of which raise mo-ney for these causes. Or, the Kiwanis Club of Aruba can get you involved in hands-on tasks like painting local school build-

ings and helping the eld erly. Many hotels organize visitor activities with proceeds going to local organi zations in need, while others have set up their own volun teer foundations for giving back to the com-munity. Ask your hotel information desk if they are sponsor ing anything during your stay or if they have an organization you can join. K

“Voluntourism” is all about vacationing with a purpose so that you’ll not only take home a tan... you’ll also take home unforgettable feel-good memories that will last a lifetime!

ARUBA REEF CARE PROJECT Tel: 582-3777

COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY Organized by the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association, Tel: 582-2607 • ahata.com

FFOTH Tel: 582-7000 ext. 600 • ffoth.org

KIWANIS CLUB OF ARUBA Tel: 593-9244 • kiwanisaruba.org

SAVE OUR DONKEYS FOUNDATION Tel: 584-1063 • arubandonkey.org

SPONSOR-A-MILE PROGRAM Participating resorts are Divi Phoenix, Amsterdam Manor, La Cabana, Costa Linda, Bucuti & Tara Beach,

Manchebo Beach, The Mill, Aruba Marriott, and Renaissance Aruba.

TURTUGARUBA Tel: 592-9393 • turtugaruba.org

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