How much do I need to raise to travel on one of the Santa trips to Belarus?
All volunteers need to raise at least €5,000. This is a threshold and not a target. People typically raise about €8,000 and those with access to corporate donors can raise
much more. This requirement applies to everybody going to Belarus, including directors. |
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Can I lodge money directly to CODP’s bank account?
Yes, our account is at: Bank of Ireland, 28 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1.
The account number is: 5380 7879 Sort Code: 90 00 33
For historical reasons the name on our account is Chernobyl Aid Ireland (Dublin). |
What will I be doing?
Typically you will be teamed up with one or two other Irish people and sent on a
shopping trip. It could be something as simple as heading off to the nearest big city to get the toys for Santa or you could be asked to head off to a town on the Russian border to buy a potato planter (a complicated exercise!). You could also be asked to take on a project, such as renovated playrooms or dorms. In most cases you will be provided with an interpreter and a driver. The nature of our work means that there may be times when we have to work a 20-hour day and others when you are largely left to your own devices. |
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How much will the trip cost?
Costs vary from one year to the next but you should budget for about €800, including the cost of your flight, accommodation and food. Aside from this you should bring a little spending money. |
Are there restrictions on what i can bring in?
Yes, but they are largely notional. Belavia, the airline we fly with, give very generous allowances to us on baggage. It becomes more complicated if we are flying via Frankfurt, Paris or London. If you are hoping to bring anything over and above normal luggage its better to check first. |
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Can I fundraise for my costs?
No. One of our principles is that costs are borne by volunteers. |
Will I have time to myself?
This is not a holiday and so you should not bank on having any time to yourself. That said we do not believe in martyrdom and so try to have the last day off. If there is free time, it will usually be in Minsk where we will provide you with interpreters. |
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How do I get there?
We arrange all transport. You will typically be flying with Belavia, the Belarus national airline, out of Dublin or Shannon. We try to choose direct flights but sometimes fly via London or Frankfurt. We always fly into Minsk where we are met by our local coordinator. We also arrange transport in Belarus and use whatever means is available to us. |
Do I need a reference?
Yes. Unless you are personally known to one of the directors you will need references. Typically we ask for a reference from a local Garda or priest and one from an employer. |
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When do we go?
We will travel out shortly after Christmas Day for one week. The exact dates depend on the Belavia airlines winter schedule. |
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