One of the most important aspects of volunteer work is continuity. Volunteers who work longer in one location, getting to know their role and host community often have a much greater impact.

This is exactly why Canadian volunteer June Fukumura is planning to spend her summer volunteering in Japan, at a time when many other relief workers have already left.

It has been more than two months since Japan was devastated by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and its resulting tsunami, but there is still plenty of help needed to relieve affected communities.

Fukumura explains: “Short term (help) is great but in order to connect with the people living in the shelters, it’s nice to stay longer so that they have that trust with the volunteers”.

Although born in Canada, Fukumura taught English in Japan for a year after high school and considers the country to be her second home. “Maybe I’ll be able to give something back this time.”

Fukumara’s parents first met while volunteering abroad in the 1970s and she encourages others to try it for themselves. “If people have any sort of interest in volunteering, go for it”, she comments. “There’s nothing else like it”.

Inspire volunteer projects are managed with continuity and sustainability in mind, so that even short-term volunteers can make a lasting impact. Find out more about us and our volunteer work.