Wwoofers

   Woofers stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Currently there are 30 countries in which a traveller can volunteer on a farm in exchange for room and board. The volunteer pays their own travel expenses and the host is responsible for meals and accomodation. Wwoof hosts pay a fee to be listed in the country's Wwoof book while wwoofer volunteers pay a fee to receive the book. The cost is under $50.00.

   Volunteer 'work' is usually 4 to 6 hours a day with 2 days off a week. Some hosts/ farm families like you to stay a few months, others are happy with a stay of 1 to 2 weeks. All farms are incredibly different, and the point of the program (to me) is a cultural exchange, volunteer work, and seeing the local tourist attractions that appeal to each individual guest.

   I like volunteers at my farm to complete a special small project. I smile everytime I remember people's contributions - Julia's signs, Sara's market post, Dae Kun Kim's lily fence, Jana and my white sage 'dolls' drying - lined up the spiral staircase, Vivian's wine and popcorn dinner, Kaori's Guest Register stand, Kiwamu's white walls, Japanese Flag painted in the grainery, Yoshiko and Yuka's Painted Daisy Bed and Sue's Speedwell bed. Other volunteer work includes watering, weeding, seeding, planting, gathering sages, gathering herbs, cutting catnip, making herbal wreaths, salves and vinegars, collecting seeds, preparing garden beds for fall. I like to have people do different tasks as variety IS the spice of life.

   I have been fortunate in the wonderful wwoofers who have volunteered at Wildcrafters. Last year I had 6 guests - Sara (England), Julia (Calgary). Dae Kun Kim (South Korea). Vivian (Winnipeg), Jana (Germany) and Kaori (Japan). So far this year I have hosted Kiwamu (Japan), Yoshiko (Japan), Yuka (Japan) and Sue (Halifax). Each person enriched my life and gave my heart and hands a lift with their volunteer work. I'd like to think I showed a different way to look at plants, herbs and flowers - their spirit, beauty and giving grace. It's been a lovely combination.

   If you think this volunteer program is for you, please feel welcome to come to Wildcrafters herbs & everlastings. I welcome guests from mid April to mid October. My toll free number in Canada and the United States is 1-877-376-2049. Remember Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is in the middle of everywhere. If you are going across Canada - you pass through Saskatchewan!

   Good luck if you decide to go wwoofing. I think you will find it a challenge while meeting real Canadians, living their dream and showing you a little slice of Canadian life.

Website www.wwoof.ca - a volunteer run organization!