Canadian Voluntourism Organizations

In Canada, "Voluntourism," or Volunteer Tourism, has become a popular way to travel abroad and help others in need. More people are taking their vacation time to give back whether they are professionals, students, or even retirees. It is a chance for people not only to travel, but to learn from others while making a wonderful humanitarian contribution.

If you are a Canadian looking to travel and make a difference, below is a list of the top 10 Voluntourism Organizations for 2011:
Canadian Voluntourism
1. The Land Conservancy of British Columbia: This organisation offers Conservation Holidays for volunteers ages 19 and older. Volunteer opportunities include caring for TLC properties. You will learn about conversation projects such as salmon habitat and agriculture.

2. Volunteer Canada: The organisation, Volunteer Canada, is focused on advancing volunteerism with the goal of boosting Canadians quality of life.

3. WWOOF Canada (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms): Open to all ages, the group, WWOOF, organises volunteer vacations on organic Canadian farms.

International Voluntourism Organizations for Canadians

4. Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects (CADIP): The CADIP is involved with international and national volunteer projects, both short and long term that includes restoration, conservation work, and international youth exchange.

5. Compañeros: This organization organizes and implements volunteer services and cross cultural learning excursions in Nicaragua. It is available for volunteers of all ages and from all careers. These programs promote safe and adventurous volunteer experiences.

6. Cross Cultural Solutions: This group gives people the chance to volunteer in such places as Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Volunteer experiences for Cross Cultural Solutions can range from 1 week to 12 weeks.

7. Travel CUTS' Gap Year Abroad: The organisation, Travel CUTS' Gap Year Abroad, offers volunteer programs for all ages. Volunteers will take a year to learn a language abroad, work abroad, or volunteer abroad. They can also create their own 12 month excursion.

8. Gap Adventures: The group, Gap Adventures, concentrates on offering gap year adventures that encourages sustainable travel and discovery.

9. Volunteer Abroad: The group provides international volunteer trips to Latin America, Asia, and Africa. When people volunteer, they share their knowledge and skills with people in great need.

10. Projects Abroad: The organisation offers a wide variety of international service projects and internships abroad. Volunteers are given the chance to become part of a volunteer abroad community.

In Canada, voluntourism has become very popular with more people participating in these meaningful travel volunteer vacations. Although the costs can be considerable for international voluntourism vacations, there are special grants available to help fund the vacations. When choosing an organisation for a voluntourism travel experience, it is essential that you investigate each one thoroughly.

Whether you want to travel within Canada or to another country, Canadians now have a number of options to make a wonderful humanitarian contribution. Voluntourism is a terrific and meaningful way to give back to those in great need and learn about other people and cultures. Voluntourism is also a great way to make meaningful lifetime memories.