Press Releases and News
Get in some volunteer work on vacation
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
By LAURA DAILY / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
As a programmer for IBM, Martha Hoflich became a true-blue road warrior. But after her 2001 retirement, the Austin resident realized she missed globe-trotting. While faraway places were but a plane ride away, Ms. Hoflich wanted to leave behind more than footprints and dollars.
"I wanted to experience culture from the people's perspective," she says. "I wanted to take a vacation with a purpose and give of myself."
Her most recent trip: an eight-day summer stint in Taos, N.M., under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program.
For decades, willing souls have given of their time and skills overseas, typically through medical missions or teaching. Now a concept called "voluntourism" has vacationers transforming the typical holiday. They combine good deeds with the best aspects of travel: recreational activities, cultural events, culinary adventures and, yes, even shopping.
If you have a week, this group has a trip.
While many volunteer trips last two weeks or longer, a Dallas group offers Saturday-to-Saturday experiences monthly in 14 countries.
Globe Aware, founded seven years ago by Dallas-born Kimberly Haley-Coleman, emphasizes helping people to help themselves. Volunteers may teach English or other skills, or perform tasks needed in the community, such as assembling wheelchairs or digging irrigation ditches.
The nonprofit organization offers programs in nations such as Peru, Mexico, Thailand and Ghana.
Prices range from about $1,100 to $1,400, which includes meals, budget lodging, equipment, medical insurance and in-country transportation. Airfare to the meeting point is extra.
Contact: 1-877-588-4562; www.globeaware.com.
Mary Ellen Botter