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Making a difference
and creating smiles
What we do
Project Volunteer is a UK registered charity run by a committee of dedicated volunteers who offer their time to grow the vision and sustainability of our charity.
We work in partnership with SOS Children's Villages Botswana, part of SOS Children's Villages International, a global federation of 116 national associations, to achieve a single vision - ensuring that every child grows with love, security and respect.
Our Vision at Project Volunteer is...
“Helping to make a difference anywhere in the world, by working with orphaned (or socially disadvantaged) children by giving the gift of quality time.”
There is no monetary remuneration for our committee members, ensuring that all money raised through projects and fundraising activities goes directly to support the children.
Please see below for some of our proudest achievements:
Short volunteering trips abroad
This ten-day trip to the SOS Children's Villages in Botswana is for volunteers that are limited by time, but want to make an impact on the lives of others. Our volunteers come from different backgrounds, professions and experiences, so far ages have ranged from 18 to 65 years.
Once in Botswana, volunteers undertake a summer-camp style activity programme which includes outdoor sports, arts and crafts, photography, dance and theatre. The options for activities are limitless and have three key objectives - keeping the children entertained, engaged and smiling.
Project Volunteer House
With the help of our volunteers, supporters and sponsors, we raised £40,000 to build a family home to house 10 children at the SOS orphanage in Serowe, Botswana.
Water well
This project was initiated because it was vital to supply the village with fresh, clean water, allowing the 'Mothers' of the village to become more resourceful, and the village more sustainable by growing food for the orphans. The water well has made a huge difference to the lives of those living in the village.
Family Strengthening Programme
We work with the SOS Social Centre, which has been running its Family Strengthening Programme since 2008, focusing on a package of services especially for HIV and AIDS affected families. In collaboration with communities and local authorities, families receive support to build their capacity to protect and care for their children (e.g. income generation, parental skills) and to gain access to essential services (e.g. education, medical care). The project also works to renovate homes for the most vulnerable families in poor living conditions.
This initiative has brought hope to families, and although not all volunteers have experience in building and renovations, we encourage teamwork and team learning by doing.
Educational UK trip
In October 2016, we proudly achieved our first UK based educational visit for a group of ten teenagers and two chaperones from across three SOS Children's Villages in Botswana. This was made possible by our supporters who helped us to fundraise £20,000.
The trip was packed with educational, cultural and inspirational visits, including:
- Lunch hosted by the High Commissioner of the Botswana Embassy
- A visit to BBC London Radio, where the children were featured on a show on BBC Radio 2
- An inspirational evening of student speakers hosted by the African-Caribbean Society at Cambridge University
- A visit to a school that made Project Volunteer their charity of choice
- A technology workshop hosted by Salesforce at their head office in London
The trip was rounded off with our annual Project Volunteer celebration ball, which not only marked this tremendous undertaking, but also brought together our past volunteers, supporters and the children from Botswana, to mark our ten-year anniversary.
Why not get involved?
Whether joining us on one of our trips abroad, or attending a fundraising event in the UK, there are many ways that you can make a difference.
Short volunteering trips abroad
We match people who want to make a difference, with the opportunity to do just that! Join us in Botswana and help us to run summer-camp style activities, with over 500 children, creating smiles. We understand you might be busy and your time may be limited, so our short trips are designed with you in mind.
Donate
Giving your time is great, but if you would prefer to make a monetary donation, then whatever currency you have, no matter how small, will go a long way to helping Project Volunteer support the children living in the SOS Children’s Villages.
All donations no matter are welcome. Just £10 would allow us to buy a weeks’ supply of apples, for 150 children, which is seen as a luxury. Your donations is truly make a difference.
You can boost your donation by 25% by selecting the Gift Aid option, subject to your eligibility.
Fundraising and sponsored activities
Set up your own event and fund-raise for us. No idea is too wacky!
For example:
A golf day, wine tasting, a swear box, five-a-side football tournament, a sponsored slim, a sponsored run, a sponsored knit.
You can get your children involved too. How about a school cake sale, or perhaps set the children up to become pen friends with the children of Botswana, it all helps.
Alternatively, you might wish to partake in an organised event and raise money for our cause.
For example:
Tough Mudder, a marathon, Pedal to the Pier.
Offer expertise or services
Project Volunteer is run by a committee of volunteers who work during their spare time to ensure the ongoing success of the charity.
If you would like to get involved, or can offer some expertise or services to support the committee please get in touch.
Corporate sponsorship
As a corporate organisation, you may be able to offer sponsorship to support our fundraising events, or you could offer your employees places on one of our volunteering trips.
If you would like to discuss with us, how we can help you to fulfil the requirements of your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, both in the UK and abroad, please get in touch.
Project Volunteer events
We host regular fundraising events, sponsored activities and entertainment evenings to maintain a regular fundraising stream. These events offer opportunities to bring the Project Volunteer family together, in a social setting.
Project Volunteer Annual Charity Ball
We have become well known for our charity ball. This event is a hit with our supporters, volunteers and corporate partners alike, and usually takes place in autumn.
