Generosity of Spirit – Volunteers
Posted by: Claire | January 26, 2012
People in general get a bad reputation, there’s a very cynical sense that everybody is out for themselves, not interested in anybody else. When you have a bad day, with difficult people, it’s easy to feel disillusioned; but there are so many great people in the world. I’m reminded of this all the time; but especially when I work with volunteers, who help to produce virtual day trips for places they have visited.
They get in touch because they like the idea of Holidays From Home and normally they are travellers who love to share their adventures. They often have one country that they are particularly passionate about and you can tell because their whole face lights up when they talk about it. It pulls you into the place and you started to get excited to. I’ve added so many places to my list of “one day holidays” because of the volunteers.
Friends and family can get bored hearing all about your holidays; but with Holidays From Home, the travellers have a captive audience who want to hear about the different places, what they’re like to visit. The trick is to capture their enthusiasm and experience, and then get them to write the holiday describing the places as if it’s the reader who is actually there. It’s all about their experience, bringing them as close to the atmosphere of the destination as possible.
Today I met up with Derek who produced the virtual trip to Switzerland. It’s fantastic, I had so much fun reading it and then finding web cameras and other related sites to add to it. The singing marmots were one of my favorites! Derek was so pleased with the final result and so excited to share the day trip with everyone he knew, even publicising it to some different magazine’s he reads. Doing the publicity for me!
I get so much from Holidays From Home, it’s lovely to see other people benefit in the same way and that’s not even thinking about the people who read the virtual holidays, they are normally ill or disabled and can’t physically get to the places, so this is the next best thing. I’m so grateful to the volunteers who give up their time to help others, I’ve met some lovely people because of Holidays From Home, people I would never have met otherwise.
If you have been somewhere that you would love to share with people who are house bound and unable to travel then please get in touch. If Derek and the other volunteers are anything to go by you’ll have as much fun writing it as people will reading it.
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February 1, 2012 | Bri Saussy:
I really enjoyed learning about Switzerland and I was wondering how you got the fantastic information and pictures-now I know! I also really like the entire concept of holidays from home-I have family members who will not travel-due to expense, trouble, and all kinds of reasons-but this is a service that they would enjoy & benefit from!
February 6, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
Thanks Bri, yes it’s a hard concept to try to explain so I’m going for show and tell! I hope your family member will enjoy the virtual holidays, it really does open the world up for people who would otherwise miss out and I don’t think they should have to.
February 2, 2012 | Jessica:
Gratitude is as lovely as volunteerism — your sweet nature shines through in this post. Knowing how your virtual holidays work make them all the more special, even for someone fortunate enough to have the ability to travel.
February 6, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
Thank you Jessica, that’s really lovely of you.
It’s really great to hear that the virtual holidays have meaning for lots of people, not just those who physically can’t travel. Now to get the word out so everyone who can benefit will understand them!
February 3, 2012 | Marita Rahlenbeck:
What a great and very creative concept! I can think of many people who would enjoy the experience you offer. Thank you for your unique gift and enthusiasm.
February 6, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
Thanks Marita, I really appreciate you spreading the word about Holidays From Home.
February 3, 2012 | amy zellmer:
you’re such a beautiful person inside and out!!!
February 6, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
Aww thank you Amy, that’s really kind of you.
February 3, 2012 | Michelle:
I love the idea of your holidays from home and the fact that volunteers help out with them makes them so much better! People are often cynical about the kindness of people in general, but if you’re open-minded and willing to give things a chance, humans can surprise you with their kindness and generosity.
February 6, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
I completely agree, you have to give people a chance and when you do they really are amazing! Thanks for the comment.
February 4, 2012 | Leah Shapiro:
I think that you are one of the great people in the world helping to provide others with such wonderful experiences.
February 6, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
Thank you, that’s really kind of you. Reading your site has helped me to stick to who I am and fight the feeling of having to conform or change. So thank you!
February 4, 2012 | Marjory:
Claire,
I love your meditation on the inherent kindness in people. Yes. Let’s tap into this beautiful energy. I would be delighted to participate and share with your readers in your space about the places I love.
February 6, 2012 | holidays4mhome:
That would be wonderful Marjory! I think together we could create a really exciting day trip, maybe expanding on the art gallery piece, just adding a few more sensory details and links to online museums/pictures etc. It would be fab!