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| (c) 2011 Crystal Cruises |
Crystal Cruises’ first year of its “You Care, We Care” voluntourism program will end 2011 on a high note with the addition of eight new excursions on its fall Mediterranean and U.S. Pacific Coast cruises.
The new hands-on volunteer opportunities will assist people-in-need in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Israel, the Canary Islands, and southern California. Volunteers will also be able to extend their aid to animals, specifically Mediterranean sea turtles.
Participation in these programs is free. Both cruises guests and crew members can help various philanthropic organizations through December. They are:
Luigi Scotto Foundation—Livorno, Italy (six trips through the end of November): Tend to the grounds or create holiday decorations for the residents of this home for the disabled.
Leket Israel—Ashdod, Israel (October 27): Gather, pack up, and/or redistribute fruit and vegetables for the country’s largest food bank and food rescue network.
The Smile of a Child—Navplion, Greece (September 11): Assist with daycare or meal preparation for abused, ill, or abandoned children who are cared for in eight communal homes.
Martha III and II—Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain (December 5 and 12): At sister residential centers, volunteers can help developmentally-challenged kids and adults celebrate the “Canarian Day” holiday with party preparations, handle daily operational tasks, or create arts and crafts.
Backyard Bounty—Santa Barbara, CA, (November 21 and December 5): Visit the bountiful orchards of southern California to collect produce that will help feed the hungry.
Sea Turtle Rescue Center—Athens, Greece (November 10): Aid the nurturing of injured turtles.
Domus Christi—Dubrovnik, Croatia (September 29): Garden with elderly inhabitants of this 660-year-old shelter before accompanying them on a stroll along the Old Port.
Also this autumn, Crystal will return to help three charitable organizations visited earlier this year. This additional aid will go toward conservation efforts in Hawaii, barrio residents in Cartagena, and a philanthropic construction project in Puerto Vallarta.
Crystal will continue its “You Care, We Care” program in 2012, with volunteer excursions offered on every cruise next year.
Call 800-446-6620 or visit www.crystalcruises.com