Advent & Christmas in Reykjavík (1:2)

WORK/PROJECT: In December the city gets busy with people preparing for Christmas. In this time of the year many families struggle to make ends meet and need to reach out for support of any kind.

The Red Cross organises food donations to them and we will assist them during this busy time. The tasks will be to prepare the ware-house for the food-donation-station, put food packages together, organise and classify the food in stock, give the food to the people among other related tasks.

Volunteers will also join the festive atmosphere during some days by handing out hot chocolate in the city centre as a way of fundraising for non-for-profit projects.

We will help in the preparation by putting up the chocolate stations, decorating the tables, making the chocolate and taking it to the different stations around the city. At the end, we will assist in taking down the stations and leaving the areas clean.

Volunteers with artistic skills, such as singing, juggling, playing music are encouraged to apply for this camp as they will have the chance to perform during the chocolate hand-out and help to create a nice and friendly atmosphere.

ACCOMMODATION: We will stay in a fully equipped house in Reykjavík; sleeping in shared rooms. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, volunteers will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals. Please do not forget some typical food for the international evening, where others can try and taste some specialities from your home countries.

LOCATION: Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, often called 'the nightlife capital of the north'. But there is more to Reykjavík than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture.

It is an incubator of new ideas and styles which often indicates new global trends. It is an International city with a lively Cosmopolitan cultural scene.

The world's northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides.

The population of the city is over 200,000 including the metropolitan area, so two thirds of Iceland's inhabitants live here. It is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal power and glacial rivers.

In December the city is lighten up with Christmas lights in every window. During this month the chances to see spectacular Northern lights (aurora borealis) are very high. The warm geothermal swimming pools offer a great way of relaxation; dipping into a hot pot, surrounded by snow and stars shining above is an experience not to miss.

In the area closer than 100 Km from Reykjavík, there are several spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline and the well-known geothermal Blue Lagoon spa to visit.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 180,- (Euros).

Volunteers have to bring warm clothes, hats, gloves and scarves as part of the project takes place outside.

Tours and excursions (Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon or South Shore) will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers at discount fares.

AGE: 18+