Become a School Builder Volunteer in Xiamen, Fujian province, from May 8th to May 18th 2010 – China Business
halfthesky.org — The work consists of light carpentry, painting, toy and play structure assembly. It's dusty and sweaty -- the hardest work you'll ever wish wasn't coming to an end so soon. We guarantee that you will leave feeling exhausted, fulfilled and very, very good about yourself. However, HTS work trips are not homeland tours, designed for sightseeing or root-tracing. There are many wonderful opportunities to do just that; but HTS crews are welcomed into welfare institutions solely to help the children who remain inside.
Taken at face value a worthwhile cause, no doubt. But I'd want to know a lot more before signing up:
"A rough estimate of additional expenses within China for two weeks comes to $2,500 for a single volunteer; $3,000 per couple; with full payment due in advance."
Additional expenses? These volunteers are giving plenty already; why shouldn't their basic expenses upon arrival be covered? I'm certain that on some level this is a profit-making enterprise, which is why I couldn't possibly give it my endorsement without more information.
Truly non-profit charities are rare gems on this planet. It all looks wonderful and tugs at the heartstrings (like all charity scams), but they need to be absolutely transparent about what happens to donations and 'expenses'.
And in case you need a reminder, it was estimated that 80% of public donations for the Sichuan earthquake went walkabout between donator and intended beneficiary.
I endorse Stuart's concerns. This is actually a note I wrote last year about such projects in Xi'an: http://www.notesfromxian.com/2009/05/09/voluntary-work-in-xian-not-like-...