Written By: Asvini Ravindran
Hello everyone!
As some of you may already know, I have been selected to represent Canada by volunteering in South Africa this summer with International Student Volunteers (ISV), a volunteer and travel organization. I’m seeking your sponsorship, so that I can make a difference abroad this summer.
ISV is an internationally recognized and awarded organization that sends university students from Canada, the U.S., Australia and the U.K. to various countries around the world in an effort to impact entire communities and endangered habitats in need.
South Africa has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, but many of its unique animals are on the verge of extinction due to hunting, culling, urban expansion and poor land practice. South Africa has a turbulent history, resulting in a great divide between rich and poor. Many South Africans live in poverty and struggle to meet every-day needs. As poverty continues to rise in South Africa, the animal population has faced increasing pressure from hunting, urban expansion and pollution. Many of South Africa’s unique species need careful management and monitoring in order to survive and re-populate in the future. Carefully structured volunteer programs provide a means to make a real difference in conservation areas.
I’m so excited to have an opportunity to assist others in the world, but, as you may know, international travel can be somewhat costly. This is why I’m asking for your help. I would be grateful if you could sponsor me for my commitment to atleast 80 hours of volunteer work in environmental conservation. I would genuinely appreciate, however, any financial support you might offer.
Your contribution will go toward my program and travel costs (approx. $5,000), covering my accommodations, most meals, project materials and support, ground transportation, and tour guidance.
While on my environmental conservation project, I’ll receive hands-on, practical experience supporting such issues as endangered species preservation or habitat restoration, which will strengthen my understanding of the world at large and lead me on a path of ecological conservation to impact our world for years to come. Past ISV volunteers have rescued sea turtles, rehabilitated cheetahs, and assisted with reforestation and organic farming efforts, among other assignments. With your help, I will be able to broaden my awareness of environmental issues and sustainability, as well as aid in the safekeeping of flora and fauna.
The ISV program also has a strong educational component, and I’m really looking forward to learning about the global issues facing other countries, and how I can help.
Again, I would greatly appreciate any support you can give — from a large sponsorship, to a small contribution — it will all add up. To serve as my sponsor for this volunteer program, you can submit your gift:
1. By Mail — Please make your check payable to me, Facebook message or email me for address details.
2. Online — Please visit the International Student Volunteers website for sponsor instructions at http://www.isvolunteers.org/fundraising-donations.
Please know that any support you can offer will go a long way toward changing the lives of others, including mine!
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Asvini Ravindran
Check Out Asvini in Africa on Facebook!
Email: asviniravindran@gmail.com
Tags: Speak Out
