The Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation has included a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) element into its operations since its beginnings. Initially we were a tour company with a social branch, the Costa Rican Tour Foundation. It eventually was officially founded as a Non-Profit, NGO focused on social and environmental challenges which provides volunteers an opportunity to give in a meaningful way.
By leveraging the support of the private sector, the CRHF has collaborated with communities to improve their livelihoods and take charge of their futures.
Through labor, knowledge sharing, resources and funds provided by a variety of private sector organizations, the communities we work with have benefited from new and improved homes, better access to health, education and scholastic materials, tutoring, english lessons, arts and a variety of special programs created and implemented by volunteers.
Some of the notable private sector organizations we collaborate with include AutoMercado, Marriott, Toyota USA, Medtronic, FIFCO, Bimbo, Cafe Britt and a number of local and international academic institutions. We also host summer and winter youth groups who visit Costa Rica as tourist and include some service work in their programs.
Volunteer Programs
In collaboration with the corporate sector, we have accomplished a number of CSR objectives. We always welcome new and creative initiatives which try to solve the many challenges we face.
Some of the current activities and programs we have available for CSR volunteers include:
- Fundraising: volunteers have created several fundraising initiatives including Facebook Fundraisers.
- General tutoring and youth development: Volunteers are beneficial and learn working with the youth in one of our Family Well-being Centers helping with our Montessori and other education centers.
- Computer lessons: Our newly created 10 station computer lab will provide basic computer skills to increase knowledge and integration into a society which demands these skills.
- School insertion and material drive: Every year we provide already financially strained families with basic school materials which are required by the public education system.
- Youth Eco-Camp: Youth living in overcrowded urban environments are paired with volunteers in a program focused on nature and sustainability.
- Sports program support: The CRHF Rescate Sports League provides 150 youth a physical activity and a support group for healthy social relations.
- Christmas party: Volunteers with the CRHF organize yearly Christmas parties for up to 800 beneficiaries including presents, food, desserts and more.
- English lessons: We always have youth interested in learning English. We collaborate with beneficiaries one-on-one and group english classes. We have several curriculum which has been created by volunteers over the years.
- Food program: Our food program in collaboration with AutoMercado mitigates food waste while providing healthy diets to CRHF beneficiaries. Volunteers help with carrying the food baskets up the flight of stairs when they are delivered.
- Indigenous cultural support: We work with the different indigneous populations which are marginalized, learning from their culture and empowering them into a modern outside society.
- Youth cultural sponsorship and mentoring: Volunteers provide youth recreational cultural outings, become role models and provide support.
Special Projects
Bunk beds: Our bunkbed program has been an integral part of the CRHF since its founding. Communities living in poverty situations many times have dirt floors and mattresses on the floor. We have found families with up to 8 people on a single mattress. By providing bunk beds we solve many challenges of health, space and more which living in overcrowded locations present.
Home building and upgrades: As part of our Poverty Reduction Model of Development, housing is one of the foundations to help persons improve their situations and solve many challenges. We have provided housing and remodeled homes for thousands of families, with a focus on single mothers heads of household. This includes renovations such as pouring a concrete floor which is a simple solution to a number of health and other challenges.
Murals: Murals are a way to improve the aesthetics of many times dreary and concrete landscapes. It also provides communities an opportunity to engage with volunteers and other members. This then creates a sense of ownership and empowerment of communities over the environments in their neighborhood.
Funding
Funding for CSR programs is usually done by the visiting organization. This can be done among employees, grants, in kind donations, corporate matching gift programs and others.
Current Locations
Our main volunteer operations for CSR are located in La Carpio. We also work with Indigenous Populations and in Coastal Communities. We receive petitions from other rural communities where we evaluate the situation and will execute special projects.
Become a Supporter
If your interested in joining us please email fundacionhumanitariacr@gmail.com or call or whatsapp text +506 88375205 .
