CareTrek

Have you ever wanted to do something really different?  Something that left you feeling fulfilled while making a positive difference in the lives of others? Say adios to the daily grind and come join us for a journey to amazing Cape Town, South Africa.

CareTrek was created by Canadian Merna Schmidt.  She has travelled on five continents, which inluded several years of volunteer work through various organizations in Uganda, Zimbabwe, Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Albania, and Kosovo.  Merna found her experiences abroad to be so incredily fufilling that she wanted to create opportunities for others to engage in these life-enhancing activities  She therefore designed a program that is based on her extensive background overseas, and works hard to find a placement that is individualized to fit with what each participant is looking for. 

At last - an organization that gives you individual attention and a customized volunteer placement to make the best use of your time and resources! CareTrek also offers life coaching to make this the most meaningful experience possible. Participants will receive weekly lessons via e-mail along with discussions while in Cape Town for those who are interested and at no extra charge!

You may choose to participate for one, two, or three months from the 1st of May and on. We will take care of everything, especially you!

Click on the "Volunteer in South Africa" link on the left to learn more!

"It has been the most incredible experience.  The people, this place, my placement.  I loved every minute and I can't believe my 2 months are gone. Honestly, it's been so amazing." (Christa P., Canada, 2006) 

"I would absolutely recommend CareTrek to others because you get to do something vital in Cape Town, learn about the history here, meet fascinating people (locally and in the group)."(Janelle F., Canada, 2006)

"My placement was everything I needed, wanted and exceeded my expectations.  It provided unending opportunities."  (Evelyn O., Canada, 2006) 

"It was an experience I will never forget...it helped me realize that I need to find a way to translate the experience into my life back home."  (Gwen L., Canada, 2006)

"The accommodations were fabulous!  It was a great location, enough space for the number of people living with us - and clean!!"  (Amanda H., Canada, 2006) 

"[The orientation activities] were very enjoyable.  All in all this part was fantastic." (Derek Hassen, Canada, 2006)

"The application process was easy and short and thorough."  (Tara L., USA, 2006)

"I promote CareTrek because I think it's a great 'small organization'.  It's not tainted by a sense that it's just a huge marketing machine that's in business to make money on volunteer vacations."  (Gwen L., Canada, 2006)

"It was very obvious that Merna was dedicated to what she put her time into:  the program, the volunteers and the people that would benefit from it in Cape Town."  (Nicole O., Canada, 2006)

"This was an awesome experience and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.  Merna and Christopher were very knowledgeable and personable."  (Tony C., Canada, 2005)

"It was what I expected and more."  (Amee F., USA, 2005)

"The orientation activities were a fantastic way of allowing everyone to become comfortable with each other and easing any anxiety."  (Jason L., Canada, 2005)

"The accommodations were great!  Love it!"  (Lauren D., USA, 2005)

"There was a good match between my placement and what I asked for.  It was a very fun and interesting placement."  (Therese L., Norway, 2005)

"The pre-travel guide was more than complete!  Very helpful and useful - answered all questions!"  (Julie G., Canada, 2005)

"It was the perfect match [between my placement and what I asked for].  I couldn't have asked for more."  (Chelsa B., USA, 2005)

"I had a lot of fun and am sad to leave this wonderful place and the amazing people I have met along the way."  (Tony C., Canada, 2005)

"I would enthusiastically recommend CareTrek to others, especially if this is the person's first overseas volunteer endeavor.  It was very well-organized, informal and secure, providing the assurances needed to feel at ease and confident.  There was a wide variety of placements available and a lot of flexibility offered. "  (Jason L., Canada, 2005)