In order to make the most of our donations so that they are used directly towards our projects, we ask that our traveling volunteers pay their own expenses for travel to and while in Thailand.

Special group discounts for airfare and other things will be available to volunteers, but the majority of your expenses will be your responsibility. Between airfare and living expenses, we estimate that your costs for 2 weeks will be about $1000. of course, they will be less if you are frugal, and more if you are not, and may be significantly reduced if we get donations of airline miles or airline sponsorship. The bulk on the expense lies in the airfare, which, although tax-deductible, amounts to about $700 (from NY) even with a group rate.

However, that amount can easily be raised with a little creativity.

Some ideas for fundraising:

• Have a bbq, potluck, movie screening or bingo night at your house and ask friends to contribute $10 each
• Ask friends and family to sponsor you -- break down your budget into a number of dollars per day and ask them to contribute $5 per day or even $1 per day -- if you get enough people that can really add up!
• Have a good, old-fashioned bake sale!
• Sell your old Astonomy textbooks on Ebay!

Remember that you are doing something positive for a good cause, and people will be happy to participate in it any way they can. It's a great way of helping while knowing exactly what their money is going to be used for.

Be creative and you will reach your goals!