Save Big Bucks (and Help Big Pigs) in Tucson This Summer

June 18, 2009 at 1:32 PM | by cmb | 0 Comments

A common misconception about volunteer vacations is that they can quickly get to be expensive endeavors. A new travel guide, "Volunteer Vacations Across America" by Sheryl Kane, however explains how you don�t have to shell out big bucks or travel half way around the world to get the satisfaction of helping others. "The biggest misconception about volunteer vacations is that they have to be very pricey, which isn't always the case," Kayne says. In the book, Sheryl lists more than 200 inexpensive volunteer programs right here in the U.S.

The opportunities for volunteering include outdoorsy destinations like national parks, summer camps for kids and animal sanctuaries like the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary in Tucson, AZ.

Looking closer at Ironwood, their mission is to provide a permanent, nurturing home for pot belly pigs that have been abused, neglected or unwanted. Pot belly pigs are popular pets—even George Clooney had one—but owners don't always anticipate the hard work that comes with pig ownership, and so the sanctuary gives the abandoned piggies somewhere to go.

The sanctuary is always seeking volunteers for any length of time; some volunteers stay for a week while others opt for the whole summer. All volunteers stay at the sanctuary, which eliminates lodging costs, and in exchange they help with manual labor around the complex. These are the type of volunteer vacations for those willing to keep the cost down; get housing included and enjoy the reward of helping out animals or people in need. Don't expect souvenirs though, unless you're hoping to go home with smelly laundry.

Related Stories:
· Volunteer Vacations Across America [Amazon]
· Ironwood Pig Sanctuary [Volunteer Match]
· Volunteer Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: Ironwood Pig Sanctuary]

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Tags: Volunteer Travel / Tucson / Arizona Travel / → All Tags