Editor’s note: This week’s series about volunteering is to spotlight the Spring into Action events on March 24th hosted by Heifer International. Read why these volunteers have dedicated their time in helping share Heifer’s mission of ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth.
Q&A with Wanda Eason, Arkansas volunteer
Q: Why did you decide to become a Heifer volunteer?
I had retired from teaching – a job I loved. I wanted to do something fun and worthwhile with some of my time. I knew and loved Heifer’s mission and the way it was carried out by giving animals and training to help impoverished families have a better life and become self sufficient. I loved visiting Heifer Ranch Learning Center in Perryville, AR. Put all of those feelings together and being a field trip guide at Heifer Ranch seemed the perfect thing to do. I could still teach but in an outdoor classroom. Volunteering there eventually evolved into Community Volunteering.
Q: What are your favorite aspects of volunteering with Heifer?
Meeting new people in different settings and spreading the news about Heifer International’s work. It is rewarding to see the positive reactions of those who have never known about Heifer or those who know the name, but don’t know exactly what Heifer does. I also love getting to know other Heifer volunteers when attending training, Heifer U’s, on Study Tours, when manning Heifer Booths at festivals and mission fairs, or when working on a fundraiser. These will all be lifelong friends because we are kindred spirits.
Q: What is a particular memory that stands out to you from your time with Heifer?
Seeing the happy and proud faces of Heifer Project Partners in Peru and seeing first hand what a difference Heifer International has made in the lives of these people. It was then that I knew, without a doubt, that the time I spend educating people about Heifer International is worthwhile!
Q: Why should others volunteer with Heifer?
One of Heifer’s cornerstones is education. Educating not only project partners around the world, but also educating those we meet about the need in the world and about Heifer’s model to help. With this knowledge, some will decide to make monetary contributions to Heifer International and with those resources, Heifer can provide animals and training to more people in need. Volunteers give Heifer a personal face. Heifer could never afford to pay employees to do all the different things that volunteers do for the organization.
