Ref: Corona Virus and La Giraudiere 2020/21 Season.

Usually, this time of year, I would be sending volunteers and interns the up to date version of La Giraudiere’s orientation guide which I have done today but, it is with a heavy heart I do so knowing that in all probability there may be no programs, volunteering or interning this season at La Giraudiere.

By reason of the corona virus many of you will be experiencing difficulties at home and may even have confinement and restricted travel regulations in place. At this present time here in France we are half way through an initial lock-down, or a period of confinement, which is likely to be extended.

Corona Virus could kill the 2020 Season for volunteers

Following confirmation regarding extending the initial lock-down period, a further decision will be made as regards the dates for 2020 at La Giraudiere. For the moment It certainly looks as though it will be difficult to travel to France in April and May of this year.

China, where the virus outbreak started, is showing signs of recovering after a period of 3 months lock-down on the basis of this news it may not be until June 2020 that France starts to recover.

For those of you who have a reserved place here at La Giraudiere for either April, May  or early June 2020 then, in the event of cancellation, you will have the following options,

Option one, is to change your dates to later in the year, the 2020 program was due to end on the 7th October 2020, god willing, we now extend the closing date of the 2020 program until the end of October 2020.

Option two, Is to change your dates to next year 2021, the dates for 2021 program presently as follows 26th April to the 9th October 2021. (The 2021 dates may be extended in an attempt to recuperate the losses from 2020).

Those of you who decide to initial select option one can still later decide to change again to option two. The dates for 2022 are not known at this time but for sure you can change for 2022 and select your dates once they are decided.

For those of you who have decided that you will not becoming by reason of the virus and or travelling restrictions could you please tell me. If you have started a claim under your insurance policy, I can provide you with documentation such as letter of confirmation of acceptance, invoices and pay-pal receipts so please just ask.

We are going through difficult times of which we have never seen the like before and it is important that we all play our part and promote solidarity in order to see us through this global crises.