How much do I need to fundraise before flying out?

The fundraising target is dependent on the country chosen for deployment. £5000 is the minimum amount required to be raised before travelling to Lebanon. The target for embarking on a deployment to Pakistan is £7500.

What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising target?

If you are not able to reach your fundraising target by the agreed date, you will not qualify to travel on the chosen deployment, and your trip will be moved to the next available deployment date. If the target is not reached by the next date, unfortunately we will have to cancel your application for this round.

Can people donate Gift Aid towards my project?

Yes, and we encourage all volunteers and donors to do this as often as possible as it has a massive contribution towards the running of the charity. Gift aid can be paid on both, online and offline donations. For offline (cash) donations, please get in touch and a member of staff will send you the gift aid form that must be filled out.

Do we have to pay for our flights & accommodation?

If you are able to cover your own flights, hotel, expenses, we encourage it. If not, flights and accommodation can be paid with the gift aid generated. Please note that there is a £200 registration fee contributing to all expenses towards the deployment. However, you must reach the minimum fundraising target for the country of travel.

Which airport do we fly from?

Most likely all deployments will leave from London Heathrow Airport but this is down to the availability of flights so this may vary.

What is the luggage allowance?

This is usually 23kg check in luggage plus 8kg hand luggage. However, this can vary depending on the airline we use.

Who is leading the deployment?

We have a team of experienced staff members who take charge of the deployments under the leadership of the Director of Fundraising, Waseem Iqbal.

How much spending money do I need?

You will not need much spending money; therefore, we recommend only taking a small amount for your own personal use. In addition to accommodation and flights, food will also be paid for by the Charity. We do not recommend exchanging money before travel as we will be able to provide you with the best rate and you can exchange as little or as much as you need with the staff. Any leftover cash will also be converted back to British pounds for you.

Can I take my camera?

Yes, you can take your camera, please note that there will be a media team capturing the day as well for the purpose of raising awareness and sharing with our donors. However, please note that it is important to be mindful when taking any form of media and follow the guidance given by Salam charity staff during the Zoom meeting and the deployment briefings.

What do I need to take with me?

We recommend the following items:

• Backpack
• Hand sanitiser
• SPF
• Face masks
• Toiletries
• Under garments
• Pyjamas
• Comfortable footwear
• Socks
• Joggers
• Portable charging bank
• Plug adaptor

Where do we stay on deployment?

We stay in hotels, depending on which area we are working in. We may move from city to city depending on the programme set for the week.

Is it shared accommodation?

We aim for every volunteer to have their own room where possible, however in some circumstances where there is no availability, volunteers will have to share.

Do I need to be vaccinated to travel?

This depends on the country and their updated entry requirements which is constantly changing. For Lebanon, it is not a requirement to be vaccinated at the moment, however a negative PCR certificate is required within 48 hours of travel.

Do I need to complete a PCR test even if I am vaccinated?

We advise all our volunteers to have PCR negative fit to fly certificates completed before travel regardless of your vaccination status and it is completely your responsibility as a volunteer if you are denied entry - you should know your entry requirements beforehand and do your own research regarding this.

Do I need any other jabs or immunisations to travel?

This is also dependent on the country you are travelling to. For Lebanon, this is not a requirement. However, for Ghana and Pakistan, some immunisations may be required.

Are meals provided?

We provide meals and snack breaks for our volunteers throughout the day. Any extra food or expenses will need to be covered by the volunteers.

Is vegan or vegetarian food available?

Yes, please inform us of any dietary requirements as well as allergies beforehand within your application and we shall be able to cater to this.

Who do we work with internationally on deployment?

We have several local partners on the ground who are registered NGOs and experienced in their field.

Can I use my phone/data out there?

Yes, we can provide SIM cards at an extra charge which have data included that you can use for the duration of your trip. If you require more data, this can also be arranged at an extra charge. If you use your UK SIM, you will most likely be charged very high rates. Therefore, we advise that you always make sure your data roaming is off and that you check with your service provider before travelling.

Will you provide me with t-shirts and hoodies?

Yes, we will provide you with a number of t-shirts and hoodies dependent on the season, however, you can purchase more at an extra cost. These will be distributed at the airport or at the deployment destination. You are required to wear these at all times when out in the field and when representing Salam Charity.

Can I take anything from home to distribute?

We don’t allow you to distribute any goods or money yourself, as we like to ensure that everyone received fairly and equally. However, you can take sweets for children which will be distributed amongst them at the camps.