Why Would You Volunteer?Sue Orr — Stratford, ON
There are so many great organizations to work for but why do travelling volunteers dedicate so much time to SCAW? The answer is simple: Children + Bedkits = A life experience you'll never regret Every trip is unique, educational, and fun for everyone. When travelling with a SCAW team you may get to seize the experience of the day and travel down the river by boat and see all the life around you in its simplest form. As much as you are a tourist in the country, when you are working with local partners you are more of a guest and have a better relationship with the people you work with and with those who you are helping. It really doesn't matter what religion or race you are, the goal is the same. Let's get these bedkits to the children who need it. Sleeping Children volunteers become photographers, teachers, leaders, humanitarians, and proud Canadians every trip.
The experience of arriving at a school yard where 800 kids are all lined up who have been waiting for hours is overwhelming. There is a feeling I sometimes get when I give a special gift: the frog in the throat to see the joy and excitement in the eyes of the receiver. Looking directly into children's eyes can bring tears to your own. They practice their English and are so honoured by our visit that it makes us feel so special. Having that feeling 4,000 times in five days is tremendous. Going on a trip, you soon recognize what your team leaders do for you. The preparation they do every night and leading up to the trip is endearing. Their hearts are in the right place. Let's also not forget those that work in Toronto. They too are volunteering their time to make sure that this all goes off without a hitch.
The whole organization is a well maintained machine that is clear in the mission statement. Even though travelling volunteers sometimes have to make a quick decision on whether or not they can make the trip and afford to pay for it, we really are the lucky ones to deliver the bedkits. It makes you feel so proud to be Canadian and proud to volunteer. My hope is that many others will want to take on the challenge! |
