Getting Active for a Good Cause!

Many of us start the New Year with a positive attitude and the resolution to get active and be healthy. The Volunteer Groups have certainly taken this approach on board and have spent the beginning of 2016 getting active for a good cause. By raising money and exercising with people (or dogs!) in need, our valued volunteers have managed to make themselves feel healthy in their bodies and in their hearts!

The Peak Circle Walk is one of the most beautiful in the region and InterNations volunteers from Hong Kong have enjoyed this challenge to raise money for St. James’ Settlement. This organization responds to the needs of deprived families in the community by filling service gaps to serve more people in need. Volunteers did not only have the chance to raise money, but they were also able to meet and support service users and carers from St. James’.

The Quito Volunteer Group kicked off 2016 with an “Exercise by dancing!” series. Through Zumba and other fun dance styles volunteers have found their rhythm and had great fun! Funds collected from the activities will be donated to “A mi me dieron el mar” (They gave me the sea), a worthy initiative taking low-income kids to visit the beach on the Ecuadorian coast.

Together with 2nd Chance Rescue Centre in Doha, InterNations volunteers have been walking rescued dogs on a weekly basis for some time now. Founded in 2009, the center provides much needed care to over 150 dogs and 50 cats. There are so many dogs that this weekly outing with Doha volunteers is the only guaranteed chance for them to get outside to walk and play. Seeing their happy feet and active noses makes it all worth it for the volunteers!

The Run for Hope is an annual run in Singapore, which some members of our Volunteer Group bravely got involved in this year. Supporting the National Cancer Centre Singapore, runners helped to raise awareness as well as money as they embarked on either 3.5 km or 10 km runs. It was a great opportunity to show support for cancer patients and their families, as well as get fit and make a difference with friends, family members, and colleagues, while enjoying a scenic city view!

Our Bangkok Volunteer Group has been partnered with the Duang Prateep Foundation, a school for refugee children, for a considerable amount of time now. This month, they have found a new way to help them out. On Saturday, 27 February, members of the group will meet for “Yoga for Good”. By negotiating a deal with a local studio, they are able to donate a portion of each participant’s fee, which will go towards funding sports day, a highlight of the year for the students at Duang Prateep!

Teaming up with refugee children, volunteers in Berlin have enjoyed playing soccer with underaged refugees who are living in Berlin without their parents. Not only a welcome break from their day-to-day lives, it’s a great opportunity for the young people to get active. InterNations members have also enjoyed some time out from their busy lives and the chance to boost their energy levels!

If you’d like to get involved in another city, please check if there is a Volunteer Group in your InterNations Community. Every InterNations member can join the group and take part in the activities!
Find out more on our About Page or write to volunteerprogram@internations.org.

(Image credit: 1-3) InterNations, 4) iStockphoto)