2009-11-30 15:51:35 - While most shoppers’ are preparing for the Christmas rush, more adventurous grownups are stocking up on travel supplies for International Volunteers Day...

As December approaches, the Christmas rush is well and truly underway. While baubles, reindeer-shaped snacks and over sized stockings are the items in most shoppers’ baskets, more adventurous grownups are filling up their rucksacks in preparation for a very different December celebration. Before the bells even begin to jingle, career breakers and intrepid explorers will be working around the clock to meet deadlines for the 5th of December, which will mark the 23rd International Volunteers Day.

First established by the United Nations 1985 as the ‘Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development’ the day has lost its loftier title but not its meaning. Now commonly known as IVD day the annual event is aimed at raising awareness of the

importance of volunteer work at a series of local, national and international events. The day also focuses on achieving the UN’s Millennium Development goals of reducing world poverty, improving education and ensuring environmental stability. Participants can show their enthusiasm by donating to or directly taking part in fundraising activities and volunteer projects both at home and overseas.*

Mature travellers, who would like to make a hands-on contribution to the world of volunteering, may be able to find the ideal solution with leading career break travel company Gap Year for Grown Ups. Offering a wide range of volunteer programmes around the world, mature travellers can combine a love of culture, history and adventure with worthwhile volunteer projects in over 45 destinations across the globe.

Seasoned travellers who want to make a difference to underprivileged communities around the world can opt for projects such as the Kenya Medical and Community Volunteers programme. Working across schools, orphanages and the local hospital volunteers can help to rejuvenate this deprived community through care, education and medical care. Those without medical qualifications can assist with developing awareness of health issues and gain experience from the professionals. There will also be plenty of opportunities to make a real difference to some of Kenya’s poorest residents by volunteering in the slums of Nairobi.

For those who want to play a more central role in educational volunteering the Cambodia Floating School is the ideal choice. This unique project not only gives volunteers the chance to improve the prospects of Cambodia’s children, but also to experience some of the worlds’ most stunning views. Based on the Tonle Sap River, the programme focuses on giving children a better understanding of English, volunteers will be able to assist with organising lesson plans, taking part in English teaching and lending a hand with extra curricula activities.

Wildlife enthusiasts can give rescued and injured animals a safe refuge on the Guatemala Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation project. As the largest centre of its kind in Latin America, nature lovers will be able to care for an array of animals including jaguars, spider monkeys, cappuccino monkeys, macaws, ocelots, kinkajous, coatis and guinea pigs! Volunteer activities are many and varied and range from caring for the wildlife to monitoring behaviour and feeding, depending on the needs of the centre additional activities may also include taking part in veterinary medical treatment, release of animals and wildlife surveys.

Mature volunteers who would like to show their support for volunteer projects around the world can find more information at www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk or call 01892 701881 to speak to an expert travel adviser.
* Material sourced from www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-volunteer-day