Global Volunteers, a Little Canada nonprofit that matches people with short-term volunteer opportunities around the world, turns 30 this year.
An anniversary fundraising dinner is scheduled for Dec. 6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown St. Paul.
The organization works with host communities on long-term development projects. Volunteers pay a fee, usually about $2,500 to $3,000, depending on country, that covers food, lodging and other in-country costs for one to three week volunteer stints.
They say the development projects are geared to helping eradicate hunger, improve health care and enhancing IQ.
Founders Bud Philbrook and Michele Gran worked on a volunteer project in Guatemala during their honeymoon, then founded the organization to help others have the same type of experience.
Over 30 years, they’ve arranged projects for more than 31,000 volunteers in 32 countries.
