From bear rescue centres to education of disadvantaged children, here are four volunteering opportunities around Bengaluru

Discover unique volunteering opportunities in Bengaluru this summer at The Lilac Farm, Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, Goonj, and U & I.

There is more to life than hanging out, trips and binge-watching. Why not try your hand as a volunteer? There are multiple locations in Bengaluru where you can volunteer. Not only will it add to your personal growth, but the references will also serve you in good stead when you are job hunting.   

If you would like to volunteer at a farm surrounded by animals, mud houses and fresh homegrown organic supplies, The Lilac Farm is one of your best options. Located at Somashettihalli, about an hour away from the city, the farm is run by mother-daughter duo, Anitha and Christina Ajith. The community-driven farm includes hens, guinea pigs, bulls, dogs and goats which are all rescue animals.

A volunteer can either help in the food-production space, farming and harvesting, or by documenting for social media and digital marketing. The minimum volunteering period is for three months and is open to anyone above 18, with both food and stay included. If below 18, a guardian is required to be present while volunteering. A volunteer can also contribute online by engaging with the creation of educational material, books and write-ups for the farm.

For more details visit thelilacfarm.com or call 08951267963

The Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre was founded in 2005 under the Wildlife SOS mission to conserve and rehabilitate the sloth bears held in captivity by the Kalandar community, which trained them as ‘dancing bears’. Open to both individual and corporate (CSR) volunteering, the centre is located inside the Bannerghatta National Park and currently has about 60 rescued bears.

A volunteer will be assigned with tasks that add to the enrichment of these rescued animals such as providing the bears with puzzles or other activities to keep them mentally and physically active. Field cleaning, documentation, and helping the vets are few other activities volunteers engage in. Accommodation and food will be provided at the staff quarters. Outside the BBRC, volunteers can also help with the cleanup drives, awareness sessions, nature walks and birdhouse making. One day trips and longer stays are welcome.

For more details, visit bannerughattabiopark.org or contact 7259039944