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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right blog for Belize Resources and Information.

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Vacation Volunteering in Belize

by tacogirl 19/02/2020
written by tacogirl 19/02/2020
Vacation Volunteering in Belize

As a repeat visitor to San Pedro, I look forward to returning each year for Kelly Maguire’s annual birthday bash/SAGA fundraiser. I spent the winter of 2016/2017 on Ambergris Caye. A record snowfall of 108” the year before drove me to flee New England in search of a warmer winter. Armed with my laptop and two suitcases, I found myself a small apartment in San Pedro and was able to work remotely until Spring.

Meeting people, however, was a different story. I didn’t want to fall into the bar scene, so volunteering seemed like a great way to meet like-minded people. I had been involved with fundraising for animal shelters for 15+ years, so I messaged the folks at SAGA and showed up to sell raffle tickets at their Superbowl party.

It turned out to be the best decision of my trip – besides the trip itself. The volunteers welcomed me into their group and introduced me to countless people in the community I probably wouldn’t have otherwise met. Their clinic also saved the life of a street cat who lived on the property of my building twice and helped me obtain the necessary paperwork to bring her home with me. When I returned to Boston, I eventually met other SAGA supporters – folks who volunteered with the shelter or adopted from them, increasing my circle of friends both locally & internationally.

Volunteering is a great way to experience life as a local, from a non-tourist perspective. It can facilitate and heighten your perspective and understanding of a place and its culture. It’s also a terrific way to help out an underserved population – in this case, homeless animals. For me, it was a great way to meet new people and make new friends as a solo traveler, have fun raising money for a good cause, and it brought me a new furever friend. It’s a vacation that can change your life — and that’s what the best vacations do. – Carol Taylor

Vacation Volunteering in Belize

I vouch for Carole’s volunteering skills. Not only was she helping at the event, but she was also reaching out and getting her island friends to come to the party. She brought another volunteer, Cathy this time, and got her hooked on the idea of another volunteer vacation next year.

Palapa Bar Party

I was one of the people that Carol reached out to with private encouragement to come say hi and attend the event. I arrived a bit after the start and it was jam-packed. Surprisingly (but not) I was told I had missed the “busy” part.

I had a fun time at the party and saw a few people I had not seen in a while. Palapa fundraisers and events are always a great place for catching up with friends.

Saga Thank Yous

Saga Humane Society would like to give a huge thank you to Kelly McGuire for celebrating his birthday and helping with a great fundraiser. Thank you to Scott and Jodie Harnish from the Palapa Bar for hosting the event. Thanks to the Palapa bar staff who are always such a great help. We couldn’t do this fundraiser without our volunteers Eileen Jamieson, Katia Marin, Kevin and Heather Smith, Iliana Paj, Carol Taylor and Cathy Murphy Kedski. A big Thank you also goes to all our raffle donors, Marbucks Coffee House, Some Place South, Pampered Paws, Akbol, Estel’s Dine by the Sea, Caribbean Adventures, Rio Bar, Crocs Bar, Iguana Juan’s, Truck Stop, Pur, Crazy Canucks, and Caye to the Heart. Last but not least, we would like to thank all our Saga supporters who came to celebrate with us. We can’t do what we do without you guys. [From Saga Facebook page.]

Easy Vacation Volunteering in Belize

If you are one who misses your fur family when on vacation, why nor share the love with some Belizean animals at Saga. You can go snuggle with the cats or join the Dog Walkers.

For about seven years now a group of about seven core members walks dogs weekly, to help Saga. Sometimes people join in and they’ve had as many as 17 people turn up to help.

The Dog Walkers meet at Fort Dog every Saturday morning about 8:15 and they have leashes and poop bags for everyone. If you are interested to join you can just meet them by the cages That’s also where they congregate afterward before going for refreshments somewhere close.

Palapa Party Pics

The party was so crowded that night I kept having to take a long way around to say hi to people I knew in the crowd. Definitely not a bad problem to have at a fundraiser and it shows how much people believe in helping Saga.

Live Music Palapa Bar and Grill

Kelly McGuire is another “rock star” volunteer vacationer – literally (although he sings “Beach Country”). He gives up time to help this worthy cause every year at his birthday bash with a big party. He performs a live show and is also the auctioneer.

Vacation Volunteering in Belize

It was a touch windy that night so they put part of the windscreens down to keep the crowd comfortable.

Vacation Volunteering in Belize

The pic below shows Steve Schulte of Tropic Air winning the Ak’bol Yoga certificate. When it came down to the auction of Tropic Air tickets from Belize to Cancun, to help drive bidding up, Auctioneer Kelly donated tickets on the spot to Island Fest 2020 on Isla Mujeres Island in Mexico.

Palapa Bar and Grill beach bar San Pedro Belize

The volunteers were working hard for Saga and the crowd was happy to enjoy a few beers for a great cause. Volunteer Katia Marin said so far with 10% Palapa Bar bar proceeds is $8117.00. Click on the following link if you would like to see how the money gets used or to make a donation.

While my house pets are currently limited to self-sustaining geckos, many of my friends have adopted from Saga and we all think it is a very worthy cause. The beloved Humane Society was founded in 1999 and turns 21 years old this March. Saga does a wonderful job of helping animal control and caring for both wild and domestic animal populations on Ambergris Caye.

Palapa Bar and Grill San Pedro Belize

Even the furry community showed up to support. Brent Butcher’s dog Emma was catching a cat nap during the show.

Palapa Bar and Grill animal fundraiser

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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THE ORIGINAL BELIZE BLOG

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

If you have any questions or want Belize discounts, Contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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