Volunteering Objectives
The program for 2024 will take place between July 2024 and finish on the 30th September 2024. Volunteers will participate in an assortment of activities. The Volunteers’ Program is flexible and aims to involve you in something you would like to do or would like to learn.
You can spend your whole stay on one project or take on different tasks. The decision is yours! Whatever the task, La Giraudière is a great place to volunteer. You can learn new skills and maybe contribute to the education of the other volunteers or interns. Whatever your age or your field you can be sure that there is something for you at La Giraudière.
Center Restoration
La Giraudière is a historic residence that is under renovation. The main construction goal for La Giraudière at this time is the installation of the professional kitchen and the group dining area situated on the ground floor of the main house. Lots of work has already been carried out here and we have made use of this space when holding events.
On completion, there will be a professional kitchen with its auxiliary rooms such as a pantry, wash room and food preparation room. There will also be a communal dining room which eventually will be a common room for the volunteers and interns and the school trips.
There are plans for a reception area which will also be used as a bar when holding social and communal events. We will also provide toilet facilities and washrooms accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Need for more to accommodate more
Upon the 1st floor of the old house the plan is to create 5 bedrooms of which 4 will be ensuite with shower and toilet. Help is needed here and the tasks are Dry Linning or plaster boarding. Preparation and decorating of walls, doors, windows and shutters.
Like to learn about household electrics and plumbing well we will be rewiring the 1st floor and lots of plubming needed so like to lean then come along and get involved. Like to show others? well again come and teach those with less knowledge.
Household Management
One of the most appreciated and important tasks is the work of the household manager. This volunteer is responsible for tasks including:
• Cleaning and maintaining common areas at La Giraudière
• Maintaining the food hygiene and cooking areas
• Washing linens, towels and tidying up linen cupboards
• Daily trips to buy fresh bread
• Preparing the weekly shopping lists
Cooking lunch and evening meals is a shared responsibility and each volunteer, or intern, takes their turn to cook for the group. This way we can ensure a varied selection and a variety of international cuisine.
Website Maintenance and Brossac Community Project
An ongoing yearly project is updating and improving the website. Apart from the updating of what exists also planned is the addition the section “Where to Stay.” This new section will provide information on Hotels, Gites, Camping, Caravans and anything else new about where you can stay in and around Brossac.
The volunteers work here involves research, photography, writing, interviewing and then preparing and publishing the relative web pages. This task or project is ideal for those who wish to become immersed in village life. You can see what has been done by previous volunteers at the Brossac Village website.
Gardening & Landscaping
We have 2,500 square meters of woodland including a small garden on the property. The park and woodland areas are an ongoing project and each year a little more is done to plant trees and put in pathways.
The garden area needs constant attention. As part of the Gardening and Park Project we plan to develop a website section about the flora that can be found at La Giraudière. Some foundations for this project have been laid and now is time for someone with green fingers to take it forward and build upon them.
Administration, Marketing and Accounting
Day-to-day administrative tasks are part of running La Giraudière. Everyday enquiries and applications arrive from around the globe and placements have to be organised.
La Giraudiere has a large following that likes to know what is happening. Maintenance and improvement of website content, as well as social media updates, need to be addressed. Could any of these be a job for you?
If working with computers or in an office/business setting is something you are interested in or willing to explore, then there is a place for you!
Blogging
Telling the story of La Giraudière is essential to creating a dynamic center for cultural exchange. We could use your writing skills to communicate the work being accomplished and the value provided to our local community and the volunteers who apply to work with us each year.
Event Planning and Management
La Giraudière and its volunteers have always been available to the local village associations whenever needed. In the past we have helped set up celebrations for Bastille Day (14th July), helped with the annual cross-country run “Trail du Brossac” and the spring Village Fair.
In addition to village events, La Giraudière – via its association – organises its own events. In 2023, a brocante-style sale called Vide Grenier was held to advertise the Brossac Broderie, our on-site shop of vintage and gently used items.
Read about the application process &
Apply to Volunteer now
The dates for 2025 Summer program are presently
26th June 2025 until 30th September 2025
The recommended volunteering period is 3 weeks but you can apply for any length of stay during the 2025 program dates.