| Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 | |
Volunteering at Animal SOS Sri Lanka - where to sleep??Country forums / Indian Subcontinent / Sri Lanka | ||
Hello everyone, Does anyone have experience with volunteering at Animal SOS Sri Lanka? At moment of writing, I am for two weeks in Sri Lanka: I will be going back to Holland October 22, so five more weeks. The next two weeks, I will be backpacking, and then from October 1st, I will be volunteering at Animal SOS Sri Lanka at Midigama, Ahangama. I have been there to look around and they were really kind, but the only thing I'm worrying about now about is the accomodation, which you have to arrange yourself. I thought they had some list of homestays in the surrounding area, but as far as I know, all the homestays are really, really expensive, and Animal SOS Sri Lanka is not really responding to my questions. I've still got two weeks to go, but I'm afraid it's in my human nature to worry already about this. Does anyone have experiences in this, either concerning working at Animal SOS in general, or either with the accomodation? Help and/or advice is really much appreciated! Kind regards, Maarten van Krimpen | ||
Well, firstly as a charity with over 100,000 euros in the bank they should be able to find the money to house willing volunteers, yes 100,000 euros, it is all here if you want to see for yourself... Second, if you do decide to go and help them earn more money then don't book anything in advance, It is still low season in that area and you should be able to negotiate a better price than what is advertised online. | 1 | |
According to their website they say "we may be able to provide some on site accommodation, there are also plenty of very cheap guest houses and surf bungalows in the area". http://www.animalsos-sl.com/volunteer.html If they don't respond and you are determined to volunteer, then I would just turn up. At worst they should put you up for the night. If they only refer you to expensive homestays, for which they probably get commission, you may wish to reconsider. | 2 | |
Can help , i am in galle | 3 | |
Maarten, the charity did respond to you, we have emails between us and you were sent a list of guest houses in the area. The reality is, the charity is caring for over 1000 rescues at our sanctuary and working flat out every day. We only have 3 apartments based at the sanctuary and all are occupied by local staff, vets and managers. The trustees in the UK all give their time to run the charity as unpaid volunteers so the funds go directly on helping countless suffering animals in need. Therefore the comments of John472 are particularly insulting implying we have funds to spare to fund accommodation for volunteers when we are hand to mouth each month trying to keep the sanctuary afloat. We feed around 1200 animals a day, which includes starving strays in the area too. This is where our funds go and also on lifesaving veterinary care, outreach programs where we neuter and vaccinate against rabies. We do not make money from volunteers, we have our own staff to ensure the animals get the care they need on daily basis. Volunteers are always welcome to assist and most are happy to do that and arrange their own accommodation without making a fuss. There are very cheap hostels/guest house in the area which are used by the many surfers that visit the area. | 4 | |
| 5 | |
Maarten, the charity did respond to you, we have emails between us and you were sent a list of guest houses in the area. The reality is, the charity is caring for over 1000 rescues at our sanctuary and working flat out every day. We only have 3 apartments based at the sanctuary and all are occupied by local staff, vets and managers. The trustees in the UK all give their time to run the charity as unpaid volunteers so the funds go directly on helping countless suffering animals in need. Therefore the comments of John472 are particularly insulting implying we have funds to spare to fund accommodation for volunteers when we are hand to mouth each month trying to keep the sanctuary afloat. We feed around 1200 animals a day, which includes starving strays in the area too. This is where our funds go and also on lifesaving veterinary care, outreach programs where we neuter and vaccinate against rabies. We do not make money from volunteers, we have our own staff to ensure the animals get the care they need on daily basis. Volunteers are always welcome to assist and most are happy to do that and arrange their own accommodation without making a fuss. There are very cheap hostels/guest house in the area which are used by the many surfers that visit the area. | 6 | |
This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you. | 7 | |