Ever wondered what’s really behind the costs of volunteering? At Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, we get that it can be confusing as to why you’d pay to participate in one of our trips. That’s why we’re going to show you the importance of program fees and exactly where your investment is going.
Why Do We Pay to Volunteer?
Volunteers can help organisations in so many ways.
So, you’ve found your dream volunteer program and you’re ready to start helping at a South African lion sanctuary or working with orangutans and sun bears in Borneo, but you have to pay to volunteer your time and effort. Why is that? Well, when it comes to resources, many organisations have very slim budgets. While hosting volunteers is extremely helpful and meaningful, it can strain their already tight finances. By asking volunteers to pay to participate, the organisations can keep operations running smoothly while benefiting from the help and dedication of passionate volunteers.
Is My Time and Presence Helping Not Enough? Can’t I Just Donate Materials?
Giving your time, presence, or materials can fantastic be ways to help a project. But sometimes, this may not be enough to truly make a difference. Some organisations need specific or technical things, for example, oxygen tanks for diving in the Great Barrier Reef or specific types of medicine to treat wildlife. This is when financial contributions come into play. By giving money, you can help organisations buy supplies, pay staff members, and support outreach efforts to keep the projects going.
Check out this group of volunteers keeping the ocean clean.
So Where Does The Money Go?
Volunteering abroad can have a lasting impact on everyone.
In addition to supporting you while you’re on your trip, the money you pay goes to funding the long-term sustainability of the project. This could include long term research, acquiring resources and equipment needed to care for the wildlife, keeping the sanctuary maintained and clean, connecting with the community, and more. So when you pay to join a volunteer program, you’re not just supporting your trip, but also the future of the organisation overall.
If you’re ever unsure about the ethics of a volunteer project, use our guide to help you decide which programs to join. The Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers website has plenty of information about volunteering if you’re keen to read more. Just go to the INFO tab on the home page.
Be sure to check out our projects around the world that you can volunteer with and see how your time, money, and effort can make an impact.
