READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE...AND THEIRS?
A Reason to Smile in the Hill Tribes, Thailand
For some of these children, this was their very first dental check-up.
At Globe Awares Hill Tribes project site in Thailand, we had the privilege of hosting a special dental clinic led by Dr. Drew Lombardi, a retired orthodontist and seasoned volunteer. With a heart full of compassion and hands skilled by years of experience, Dr. Lombardi created a safe, welcoming space where children, many of whom are war refugees or survivors of human trafficking, could receive much-needed care.
Dental health is often a distant concern for these children, whose lives have been shaped by conflict, displacement, and survival. Yet during the week, their wide-eyed curiosity and tentative smiles told a different story, one of healing, learning, and connection. Dr. Lombardis gentle approach turned what might have been a fearful first-time experience into something empowering and even fun. The week also featured donation distributions, educational sessions, and a special presentation highlighting Dr. Lombardis inspiring journey.
This was not Dr. Lombardis first Globe Aware volunteer vacation. His past service in Cusco, Peru, and support in the Galpagos reflect a deep and consistent commitment to global volunteerism. We were thrilled to welcome him back, and the Hill Tribes community was deeply grateful for the critical care he provided.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Thailand team, whose translation, coordination, and guidance were vital to the clinics success. But the story doesnt end there. Inspired and energized by his experience in Thailand, Dr. Lombardi took his volunteering one step further, this time, to the Philippines.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Thailand Hill Tribes Program
A Reason To Smile in Rural Philippines
Fresh from his week in Thailand, Dr. Drew Lombardi continued his journey, this time in the heart of a rural Philippines community.
At a local school, a familiar site for many Globe Aware volunteers, Dr. Lombardi teamed up with three compassionate local dentists to provide free dental check-ups for students, most of whom had never visited a dentist in their lives.
These children come from farming families who earn just 344 to 409 a day (about $6$7), making dental care a luxury few can afford. With visits often costing more than a days income, oral health slips through the cracks, leading to a silent epidemic of untreated dental issues.
Determined to make a difference, Dr. Lombardi not only organized and funded the outreach but also provided toothbrushes, toothpaste, and even freshly baked bread, simple gestures that delivered warmth. Under the coordination of Globe Awares local team, led by the incredible Coordinator Gege, the mission continued throughout the week with hygiene kit distributions and educational sessions for parents and children on the importance of personal and dental care.
Dr. Lombardis reach extended even further, welcoming a 24-year-old cleft palate patient to the clinic, another reflection of his unwavering belief that healthcare should be accessible to all. Inspired by a legacy of compassion passed down from his late father, Dr. Lombardi continues to show how one persons dedication can leave a lasting impact.
"...Nothing says 'ready for the future' quite like a bright, healthy smile.
And every childs smile is worth fighting for. Its a movement of love, dignity, and shared hope, one that reminds us all that heroes dont always wear capes, sometimes, they wear white coats and offer their hands to heal." - Philippines Coordinator Gege
Learn more about Globe Aware's Philippines Program
On a Somber Note
At the end of Dr. Lombardis week in the Philippines, we received some sad news. Mang Pasyo, the elderly beneficiary whose home and belongings were lost in a devastating fire, had sadly passed away. Dr. Lombardi and Coordinator Gege, who had been helping rebuild a new home for him, attended his funeral. In a touching gesture, they used some of the materials originally meant for his new home to help lay him to rest with dignity.
Although the week ended on a somber note, they brought dignity and hope to this kind and elderly man, who had been so looking forward to having a new home. While we couldnt have foreseen such an outcome, it has strengthened our resolve to continue offering help to those in need around the world, even if only for a short time.
Can't-Miss Content
Want to hear more from Dr. Lombardi himself?
Tune into his daily audio diaries, where he shares behind-the-scenes moments from his journey, from navigating local cuisine and adjusting to the accommodations, to dealing with a surprise credit card hiccup and even experiencing the dramatic earthquake that rocked both Myanmar and Thailand during his stay. His firsthand stories provide an honest, insightful look into the realities of volunteering abroad, cultural immersion, and the personal growth that comes from it all!
He tells it like it is!
You can check out veteran weatherman Don Germaise's podcast from the Hill Tribes, too!
The good and bad on the toilets. What will your bedding be like? Your food? Should you eat what the kids are eating? Our veteran newsman tells it like it is, live from our program location!
This was THEIR Spring Break
A huge thank you to NCSU student volunteer Mason Erman for creating a fantastic video highlighting his volunteer vacation week in Cuzco, Peru, this past March as part of his Alternative Spring Break!
The NCSU student volunteers blended service with adventure, wandering through Cuscos historic cobblestone streets, marveling at the iconic Machu Picchu, serving meals to some four-legged locals while savoring traditional dishes themselves, all as part of an immersive, hands-on learning experience.
Volunteering...A Cure For Loneliness!
Loneliness is on the rise worldwide, with 25% more Americans feeling isolated today than before the pandemic. Recognizing the severity of this issue, the World Health Organization has labeled loneliness a global public health concern, linking it to increased risks of depression, heart disease, and even early death, on par with the dangers of smoking or obesity.
However, there is hope. Volunteering has proven to be a powerful yet often overlooked remedy. By stepping up to help others, volunteers strengthen social connections, build community bonds, and create a sense of belonging. They don’t just offer solutions to problems—they inspire optimism and open the door for others to get involved.
A volunteer vacation takes this impact even further. It not only allows participants to make a meaningful difference but also provides them with an enriching travel experience, fostering friendships, cultural exchange, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through service, volunteers not only help others, they also reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Program Destinations
The Power of Shared Purpose - Costa Rica
When coworkers step out of the office and into a world of adventure and purpose, something remarkable happens: they return not only with unforgettable memories but also with deeper connections and renewed energy. Thats exactly what a recent group of volunteers experienced on a meaningful journey to the Orosi Valley in Costa Rica, where they combined hard work with a heartwarming cultural exchange.
This was no ordinary team-building retreat. From getting covered in mud before unwinding in natural hot springs to collaborating on hands-on community projects and sharing home-cooked meals with local families, every moment brought people closer together and left a meaningful impact. The week also featured a visit to a coffee plantation, explorations of historic sites and museums, plus thrilling zip line adventures and unforgettable wildlife encounters, like spotting a mother sloth and her baby near the lodgings.
Project Work
The group concentrated their efforts on a community initiative near the site of the ongoing community center project, where they helped pour concrete for a future playground and gathering space. Plans for the area include a food booth or coffee shop, an inviting spot where families can relax and connect.
For many volunteers, the work was completely new. I dont know how to do that! is a common phrase heard at the beginning of projects like this. But with guidance from skilled local staff and a willingness to learn, these first-timers helped build a sturdy foundation, both figuratively and literally. The experience wasnt just about physical labor. It was about pushing personal boundaries, learning new skills, and discovering the joy of working toward a common goal.
The Best Gift for Your Graduate
If you're looking for a unique and meaningful way to mark the occasion, consider a volunteer vacation with your family. Here are three powerful reasons to choose a volunteer experience:
`1. Celebrate With Purpose
Graduation marks a major milestone, and what better way to celebrate than by giving back? A volunteer vacation turns a fun trip into something truly meaningful. Instead of just relaxing, your child gets to reflect on their accomplishments while making a real difference.
2. Gain Perspective Before the Next Chapter
Whether they're heading to college, entering the workforce, or exploring what's next, a volunteer trip exposes kids to new cultures, challenges, and ways of life. It helps them see the world from a broader lens, fostering a stronger sense of purpose as they transition into adulthood.
3. Strengthen Family Bonds Through Shared Experiences
Working side by side on a community project, whether you're building homes, teaching children, or protecting wildlife, creates unforgettable family memories. It deepens your connection and gives you shared stories and values that go far beyond the typical vacation photo album.
Choose from over 26 destinations
Get Rewarded for Your Reviews
Your Story matters!
Help us inspire the next wave of compassionate volunteers and earn credit toward your next adventure! Share your experience publicly and receive up to $75 in Globe Aware program credits.
How it works
1. Write a review for Globe Aware on one or more of these platforms
- Yelp
- Great Nonprofits
- GoAbroad
- GoOverseas
- Globe Aware Facebook Page
2. Make your review public
Ensure it's visible to others, no private submissions.
3. Send us a screen shot or link
Email it to office@globeaware.com with the subject line: "Review Credit"
4. Earn your credit!
- $25 credit per unique platform review (up to $75)
- Credits are stackable and transferable, and never expire!
The Fine Print
- Reviews must be posted after April 15, 2025.
- Each review must be unique and specific to your experience.
- Max of $75 credit
- Credits are applicable to any Globe Aware program and are non-cash, transferable, and combinable with the in-place returning volunteer discount.
- Gift credits must be transferred by emailing us the recipient's name and email.
- This is separate from the more detailed internal survey we ask volunteers to fill out after a volunteer vacation, for which we are grateful.
- For any questions, please email us at office@globeaware.com
