Short Summary
Hello, my name is Kristen Mandala. Currently, I am in my third year at Dalhousie University studying International Development.
In 2009, I took my first volunteer trip to Kenya with Me to We. Since then my desire to help others in developing communities around the world has grown a hundred-fold. This summer I have been accepted on a six-week volunteer project in Peru through Operation Groundswell; an incredible non-profit organization dedicated to environmentally conscious and ethical travel in developing regions all over the world.
However, being a full-time student makes the prospect of funding the trip very daunting. Any and all help is incredibly appreciated! The program asks for $1,000 to be fundraised to go towards the tools and materials we will be using on the ground in Peru. With my parents generously covering some of the remaining flights and program fee, I need to come up with the remaining money in order to go on this lifechanging experience!
What We Need & What You Get
The program fee is $2,795, with flights to and from Peru anywhere between $1,000-1,500 and the additional $1,000 needing to be fundraised.
This trip is unique as it is adamant about emmersing oneself into the culture you're working in. No voluntourism with a safari and hotel room. We will be living like the locals in Iquitos and embracing all of the cultural wonders Peru has to offer.
Throughout the summer leading up to the trip I will be working full-time and fundraising in my community as well. The money raised here - even if the goal is not met - will still go towards my fundraising donation, and with my job I will hopefully be able to be apart of this amazing experience.
With your help, I will be able to raise the $1,000 in order to contribute to the development project in the Amazon, as well as an additional $1,000 to pay for some of my program fee and flight costs to get me there!
The Impact
Throughout the trip our group will be working hand-in-hand with Asociacion Kallpa Iquitos, a non-profit organization that helps building environmentally sustainable communities in the region. The organization works with university students from Peru in creating sustainable resources like compost toilets in remote villages, water tanks with filtration systems, etc.
Once there, our group will be able to focus on a project that is of the most importance for the community!
Other Ways You Can Help
Any and all controbutions are incredibly appreciated! Even if it is so much as sharing with a friend or emailing the link - I will be forever grateful!