Sydney's Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer Trip Fund

Sydney Lavell Start Date: Nov 14, 2016 - End Date: May 13, 2017
  • Hartbeespoort, North West, South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Sydney Lavell Start Date: Nov 14, 2016 - End Date: May 13, 2017
Dear Family and Friends,

For those of you that know, I have always had an extreme passion for the environment and wildlife. Living in the Midwest has limited me from exploring that passion. After my obsession with documentaries on climate change, animal endangerment and extinction escalated when I watched Before The Flood, a documentary famously involving Leonardo DiCaprio, and The Ivory Game, I have decided that I am going to help anyway I can. 

I did a TON of research and found a volunteer organization that really drew me in. Go Eco is an amazing organization that sends volunteers all over the world to work on projects ranging from ecological conservation to humanitarian aid. The 3 week long program that I have selected to participate in is the Wildlife Sanctuary Project located in Hartebeespoort, South Africa, roughly 45 minutes from Johannesburg. Starting in the beginning of June 2017, this opportunity will allow me to help rehabilitate animals and prep them for a hopeful return to the wild. Along with working hands on with the animals, I will be responsible for helping with construction and maintenance projects at the sancturary. I believe that this once in a lifetime experience will give me the opportunity to do something meaningful and selfless. 

Since this is a volunteer project outside of Purdue's study abroad program, I will not be receiving grants from my school. I will be applying to some scholarships I have found but I will be relying heavily on donations in order to be able to do this! Literally ANY amount can help me achieve my dreams! If you are interested in any additional information on this trip, please contact me or visit the website link that I have provided on my FundMyTravel page! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and even visiting my page. Please think about donating to my cause. 


Sincerely,

Sydney Lavell 

  • Hartbeespoort, North West, South Africa