VIETNAM AID EXPEDITION

Catalyst Foundation prides itself on coordinating emotionally rewarding, sustainable volunteer experiences. Working hands on with our community members in rural picturesque Vietnam, our “project sites” are the homes and schools of those we serve, not tourist attractions.


Over the last 20 years, we have had 35 volunteer aid expeditions with over 800 volunteers. Each volunteer experience was different in its goals and outcome but focused on providing HOPE.


Volunteer tasks fell into certain categories: working with and educating children; women’s empowerment; technology assistance; photographic and documentary services; providing basic dental and medical care; and the construction of homes, schools, and playgrounds.


Volunteers need a reliable work ethic and are committed to making a difference and serving others in need. They do not need to speak Vietnamese but are willing and adaptable to different environments, conditions, and cultures.

Participant Fee: $800/adult and $450/student
includes:

  • 3/4-Star accommodations, breakfast, lunch. Private, local transportation.
  • 100% Tax Deductible Donation to Catalyst Foundation Community Development programs.

Participant Fundraising Goal 

  • Each volunteer is expected to raise a minimum of $1000 in donations, and children are encouraged to raise $500, to contribute towards the Aid Expedition projects.
  • Volunteers under the age of 18 are welcome to participate if a parent or guardian accompanies them

“When our 17-year-old son asked to join the Catalyst Aid Expedition in 2018, my husband and I immediately started making plans. We were so impressed with how organized and dedicated Caroline and her team were. We accomplished so much in our three days. It was very clear from the beginning that Catalyst involves the community in every decision. There is accountability and ownership in making health, education, safety and dignity a priority for the community.
 
Our Aid Expedition team provided health and dental checks, distributed food and household items, set up the school aged children with uniforms and school supplies, created a market where families purchased clothing, shoes and household items with points they earned throughout the year. The team built a covered bike shelter and at the request of the community, the team worked side by side with a person from each family to build a paved road to the cemetery.
 
It was an amazing experience to work with Aid Expedition team made up of men, women and children from all around the world. Our son and the other teenagers bonded immediately. They worked hard and then played hard with all the children in the community. We will forever be grateful for our experience in Vietnam with the Catalyst Foundation.”
– Kim, Jason and Joe Thompson

For the safety, dignity and well-being of our community, we do not allow members of the public to randomly “visit” our community; however, we will be happy to arrange a meeting or phone call with you and our Founder and Executive Director to discuss our programs and work. Our “project sites” are the homes and schools of those we serve, not tourist attractions. The school our children attend is not a private school. Consequently, we cooperate with the Ministry of Education, and are very strict about making sure visitors do not interrupt the school day.