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My Volunteer Trip to Thailand

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Hi there! 
My name is Gracie Cook, a 16-year-old student from Oshawa, Ontario and  as of July 29th 2017, I will be embarking on a 2 week journey in Phang Nga, Thailand, where I will be spending my days volunteering on community development projects, ranging from building schools to painting murals to assisting in child-care centres.  While I’m away, I’ll be living in the local community and exploring the history and culture of Thailand while developing my leadership potential. This trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a completely new and different culture firsthand, while helping people in desperate need. 

The first week in Thailand is spent volunteering in the local community, doing whatever projects are needed by the partner's at the time. The second week is more focused on cultural exploration, allowing us to experience as much of the Thai culture as possible in our short time away. We visit different islands in southern Thailand, and experience as much of the culture as we can.  

 I will be travelling with Global Vision International (GVI), an international education organization, that offers a unique two-week community service program that sends high school students to countries such as Thailand, Costa Rica, Nepal, and India. GVI's mission is to operate programs around the world, which offer educational, service and leadership opportunities for young people in order to foster leadership development and global citizenship.

I can't even begin to describe my excitement at being accepted into this program, as the group is quite small (around 15 people) and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I've always known that my goal in life is to help others, and this program gives me the opportunity to do so, as well as experience a brand new culture. I may not know exactly what I want to do in my life, but I know that whatever it is I hope I'm helping someone else in any way possible. In Thailand, I want to give children the opportunity to receive a quality education, or give a village clean drinking water that could ultimately save lives. I want to lead by example, and see the goodness in people's hearts. Although I may not have a concrete plan for my future, I know that my experiences in Thailand will give me more knowledge and insight than any classroom ever could, and teach me more about myself than I knew existed. Truthfully, I want to make a difference in the world, whether it be for all 7 billion people, or for one small village. 

Unfortunately, the cost of this program, not including airfare, is $2461.00, which is a lot of money.  To be able to participate in this program I am fundraising for financial assistance, which I hope you can help provide. I do not want to cause any additional stress, so please do not feel obligated to donate if you are unable. On that note, any and all donations, no matter the amount, are appreciated more than I can express in a letter, because each one brings me one step closer to my dream. All funds I raise will be put towards off-setting the cost of tuition, airfare and any other e xpenses that may arise. 

Again, I am eternally grateful for any and all donations. At first, the price of travelling seemed too daunting to even consider, but after the support I have already received, I am more excited than ever. 

Thank you so so much,
Gracie

Donations 

  • Riley Deveau
    • $100
    • 7 yrs

Organizer

Gracie Cook
Organizer
Oshawa, ON

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