On the run First in a series on the region’s running culture. Page A3
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OAK BAYNEWS ON THE ROAD
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
J
Tim Collins Reporting
Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Jillian Westby, 18, reads up on her destination before heading to Ecuador for six months to volunteer. operators out there as well – operators who prey upon the good intentions of potential volunteers who don’t do their due diligence to ensure that the charitable organizations with which they’re associated are legitimate. “There have been some horrific examples of unscrupulous local ‘charitable organizations’ who are just out for the voluntourist dollar,” he said. In one case, recounted by Smith, an animal rescue organization in South Africa used voluntourists, ostensibly to help save injured and orphaned animals.
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A new trend called voluntourism entices young adults to pay for the privilege of volunteering in developing countries. Oak Bay News reporter Tim Collins delves into the potential dangers that could await those who don’t do their homework before leaving home.
illian Westby is a fairly typical young woman. She’s just turned 18 and has lived in Oak Bay since 1998. After graduating from Oak Bay High last spring, she applied for admission to UVic and was accepted. That’s where Westby’s story takes a bit of a turn from the norm. She has opted to take a year off school and use her energy and talents to help others. For the next six months she’ll be living with a family in Quito, Ecuador, a city where she will be teaching English and life skills to impoverished children. “I’ve always loved children and I realize that I’ve been very lucky to have everything I’ve had in life,” said Westby. “This is a chance for me to give something back. … To help others.” Westby has opted to volunteer through a placement with a company called International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ). The company, based in New Zealand, is one of a burgeoning list of similar firms that match volunteers with agencies, nongovernmental organizations and charities operating within a wide variety of countries around the world. Individuals can use these firms to match their interests, skill sets and values, along with the part of the world in which they wish to work, with the needs of agencies within that region. “It’s called voluntourism, and it’s a concept that has exploded in popularity in the past seven or eight years,” said Aaron Smith of GoVolunteering.com. He launched his website to help would-be volunteers pick responsible agencies to facilitate their volunteering efforts and to help the volunteers themselves to work in a responsible and supportive manner once they get to their host country. “There are good operators out there, but like anything else, there are degrees of good,” said Smith. He admits that there are some bad
The potential pitfalls of voluntourism explored. The benefits of voluntourism for young people. Exposure touring: an option for those wanting to learn more. Where to go for more information on volunteering overseas. PLEASE SEE: Voluntourism requires research and diligence, Page A8
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