The Children’s Charity endeavours to enhance the quality of life of Barbadian children - specifically, those who are sick, mentally or physically challenged. Since its 1984 registration, Variety has made waves across Barbados with notable achievements like the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Education and play, hospital care and mobility for kids are its main programmes, and volunteers can assist by donating time or/money to helping the programmes succeed.
The Healthy Caribbean Coalition
...is a prominent voice advocating for the health of Caribbean people. It tackles diseases and health challenges such as cancer, non-communicable diseases and alcoholism. Volunteers are given real-world experience by working on programmes and policies created to eradicate such challenges, with the fight against non-communicable diseases among men, women and children as a priority area.
Slow Food Barbados
...embodies the drive by the Barbados Government to support local farming. The organic approach to Barbadian food production is incredibly vital, given Barbados’ alarming rate of non-communicable diseases. The island has a culture of consuming ground provisions, and the extra push to “return to our roots” is vital. Volunteers are encouraged to exercise their green thumbs and support the educational school garden initiative, Slow Soup drive a farm to table programme.
Rotary Club of Barbados South
The international organisation known for its “Service Above Self” mantra welcomes Rotarians from around the world to visit the club. Rotarians can join in on the initiatives implemented by committees like service projects and membership and youth.
The Ark Animal Welfare
The welfare of animals in Barbados is also essential to the island’s sustainable future. The charity was formed after incidences of inhumane treatment of stray dogs became topical and has since worked to educate the public on the responsibilities of owning a pet. Animal lovers can give of their time to foster a dog or cat or participate in other activities like dog walking, pet rescue and food delivery.
Walkers Reserve
The Walker’s Quarry was a leading sand supplier to the island for over 50 years. Today, local farmers and other stakeholders are harnessing its rich nature to regenerate the land into a Barbadian food forest. Walker’s Reserve is now home to endangered migratory birds and assists in protecting the endangered leatherback turtle found on the East Coast. It’s most effective programme is “One Tree for Every Bajan,” which encourages Bajans and even visitors to plant indigenous trees that are needed to sustain the dune system of the reserve. Sign up to volunteer, plant a tree or make a donation of trees or to advance the work of the Reserve in creating a better Barbados.
Ocean Arc Res Animal Sanctuary
If you’re looking to provide hope for a healthy life to an animal in need, the Hope Sanctuary is just the place. The animal shelter is dedicated to rescuing animals from unsafe spaces as well as treating and rehabilitating them for loving homes. Dogs, cats and even turtles are housed at the sanctuary, awaiting the warm touch of a new family.