A little bit of context
I recently applied for the role of Photographer at a NFP called Destiny Rescue. After looking at my portfolio they were happy to have me onboard if I wanted to take up the opportunity. So after a lot of consideration I decided to go for it. I’m not entirely sure what I’m in for but at some point you just have to jump in and I’m just glad to be part of such a worthy cause.
I’ll be based out of Chiang Rai, Thailand, where I’ll be photographing anything and everything they need. From product photography for their online shop to helping create promotional videos. Cover their success stories of rescuing children from exploitation, poverty and sex trafficking. (More info here: Destiny Rescue).
I leave on July 16th. I’ll be in Thailand for about a year. Maybe come back for a few weeks before returning to serve another year.
But there’s one thing holding me back
Destiny Rescue’s overseas volunteers are completely self-funded/unpaid positions. Yep, as volunteer I need to raise my own funds to cover all my expenses. Everything including actually getting there, food, accommodation, household expenses, bills, and upgrading my photography/video equipment to cope the demands of the role.
Here’s how you can help
The exchange rate from the Aussie dollar to the local Baht currency is staggering. I will be living on about $600 /month (bills, rent, food everything included). So when I say that every dollar makes a difference, it really, really does!
Where’s the money going, exactly?
I’m not the type to expect people to cover all my costs. I’ve already paid for my flights and various other things. I’ve started replacing some of my equipment and I’ll be selling a bunch of stuff to raise funds. In the end I’ll make do with whatever I can afford.
$8k is still a lot of money though. So I’d like to be totally transparent about where there money will be used:
First up, my start up costs. Getting the bare essentials to setup and settle in Chiang Rai. Secondly, gear funds to make a long overdue upgrade to my camera equipment. I need items for both photography and video that are up to the task – Pro quality, durable, light weight and compact for travel.Thirdly, monthly living expenses. Most of which I’ve indicated in the “Impact Levels” section to the right.
More info: https://www.destinyrescue.org
Destiny Rescue rescues children from red light districts, brothels and sexually abusive situations. Have a look at their site to see what they’re all about.
Destiny Rescue recently collaborated with another organisation in the Philippines to initiate a police raid in which 17 women and girls caught in the sex trade were rescued. Seven of those rescued were identified as underage.
Read more here: https://www.destinyrescue.org/aus/blog/destiny-res…