Holiday Helpers
Get that tingly feeling of having helped save the world on your next vacation.
El Eden Ecological Reserve
El Eden Ecological Reserve
(30 miles from Cancun)
This 6,000-plus-acre tropical forest nature reserve is home to dozens of endangered jaguars. Through the efforts of volunteers participating in the research and conservation program, El Eden not only helps preserve the jaguar's habitat, it also monitors the animal's population and behavior with GPS collars and camera traps.
Typical day: Volunteers spend their time monitoring these magnificent cats by setting and checking camera traps, searching for tracks and mapping out their habitat. In the right place at the right time, volunteers may get to help trap pumas and jaguars and outfit them with flashy new GPS collars.
When you're not seeing a big cat: You can check out Morelet's crocodiles and Ocellated Turkeys up close, or climb the observation tower for a sweeping view over the jungle to a stunning sunset.
Know before you go: El Eden is rugged territory. Bring an adventurous, outdoorsy spirit — and clothes you don't mind soiling up in rocky or flooded areas. www.reservaeleden.org
Rescate Malix, Cancun
This animal shelter rescues, rehabilitates and finds adoptive parents for some of Mexico's 30 million stray dogs. More than that, though, Rescate Malix aims to educate the local community about animal welfare in order to improve the current standards of care.
Typical day: Yes, there will be lots of playing with pups and dispensing much needed TLC (walking and bathing dogs), but animal lovers who volunteer here will also work to prevent animal cruelty by visiting local schools to teach kids about animal welfare, or making posters and films about Rescate Malix's mission.
Not all fun and games: Less cute but just as necessary, volunteers might also find themselves helping vets at neuter clinics.
The ideal volunteer is: Enthusiastic and proactive. Oh, and must love dogs. www.rescuemalix.org
PEACE, Isla Mujeres
PEACE, which stands for Protection and Education for Animals, Culture and Environment, is an umbrella organization that raises resources and distributes them to an array of different local charities — everything from animal clinics and English schools to soccer camps and food kitchens.
What you'll do: Each volunteer is matched with a specific project suited to their individual skills and interests. When you contact PEACE, you let them know what you can do and what you'd like to do, and they'll find a suitable project. Like animals? You may be helping out at animal clinics. Good with words? You could be teaching kids English.
Typical day: There's no such thing as typical here. You could be hosting fundraising events to support the island's charities, working at the Free Health Fair, or organizing amassed donations like medical equipment for the Red Cross or toys for The Little Yellow School (a school for special needs children).
Why PEACE? PEACE believes that by doing their best to find the right organization for each individual, volunteer experiences become far more rewarding and lead to repeat volunteering. peace-www.islamujeres.org
What comes around, goes around
Can't get enough of that do-gooder spirit? Here are more options.
Centro Ecologico, Akumal
They're cute but endangered — help protect and conserve the local sea turtles. www.ceakumal.org
The City of Joy, Cancun
Help out in a range of ways — from gardening, administrative duties and fundraising, to working at a center for battered women, a retirement home or hospice. www.cityofjoyfoundation.org
El Mundo Para Puerto Morelos
Get involved in projects like tree planting in schoolyards or distributing books to students in the small seaside village of Puerto Morelos. www.emppm.com
Angel Notion, Playa Del Carmen
Lend a hand at this nonprofit clinic, which focuses on preventative healthcare for the local underprivileged. www.angelnotion.org
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