A Month of Thanks: Day 13 – Volunteers
For many years, HBI led a group of volunteers to visit our programs and projects. We called the annual trip – Team Perú. So many volunteers participated in the trips. So many people made a huge difference.
We no longer run the Team Perú outreach trip – but we still have health profession students join us for immersive experiences. Today during our Month of Thanks campaign, we want to share the story of a nurse who joined HBI for a trip that changed her life:
“[A Couple of years back] I found myself stressed out looking for an organization to do my volunteer work as my RN-to-BSN program neared an end. I was given a very long list of organizations to choose from. As I started sorting through the list, HBI was pointed out by one of my awesome professors when I shared my concerns, hopes and dreams about what I wanted to get out of my volunteer service.
Once in touch with HBI, I met with a HBI team member who was so thoughtful (by bringing Peruvian stuffies for my then 7-year-old son), very informative, and very flexible about where and how to do my volunteer work. I was even allowed to bring my husband and my 7-year-old son with me, as I wanted them to be part of this learning experience. I knew right away after talking with HBI was the place for me.
Although I had an idea as to what my volunteer work would entail, nothing would prepare me for what I (along with my family) experienced. Everyone from HBI we had contact with was very friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. They all made us feel at home and always willing to teach us something new. The experience itself was very humbling and eye opening about how much need there is in Peru and what a great ally HBI is to the people they touch, both for the volunteers and the people who receive their help.
I am very thankful for Linfield College to make HBI part of their professional development program. I’m thankful to my professor, but most importantly I am very thankful to HBI for all I learned during my time with the team in Perú. It will be an experience that will live with me and my family as long as we live.”
We are very thankful for volunteers. We’re thankful for the support we receive from the many stakeholders who believe in our work. #BetheBridge – make a donation to HBI this Holiday Season!
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