Recently, GGYA partnered with British High Commissioner Tom Hartley to clean up Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Centre, home to the world-famous marching flamingos and over 200 other creatures representing 50 species.
“No one probably woke up this morning and said, ‘Hey, I want to go and rake some leaves,’ but they are having fun,’” said Mr. Hartley. “We’ve been here half an hour, already the place is tidy, kids are happy.”
On Tuesday, December 5, the United Nations celebrates International Volunteer Day to recognize and promote the tireless work and impact of volunteers across the globe. The goal is “not just to get others to volunteer for one day but to change people’s mindsets, attitudes, and behaviours.”
Volunteering is a key component of GGYA, the local office that delivers the UK-based Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which challenges youth to discover their potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
Each participant in the Award learns a skill, improves their physical fitness, experiences a team adventure in a new environment and volunteers in their community. In return for their commitment, they receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
In the weeks leading up to International Volunteer Day, GGYA undertook two community projects–the Ardastra Gardens cleanup and replenishing Grand Bahama Island’s mangroves in partnership with Mangrove Mania, an initiative spearheaded by Waterkeepers Bahamas and Coral Vita.
