A unique organization in that it provides shelter for exotic birds that are sometimes sick and/or injured. An absolutely extraordinary place run by dedicated employees and volunteers. I know of no other that is its equal.

I have volunteered at this organization for approximately 10 years and it provides me with one of the most socially satisfying things that I do in the world. It gives me the opportunity, on an almost weekly basis, to accompany many interesting people and show them New York, my city, through my own eyes. I believe that this presents an extraordinary opportunity for many visitors, and likewise enriches the lives of volunteers, such as myself.

I have been a volunteer with Big Apple Greeter for approximately 9 years. During that time, I have done visits with literally hundreds of visitors to New York City, many of them from French speaking countries and do the vast majority of my visits in French.

These visits have given me the opportunity to share many off the beaten track views of New York and have allowed for many cultural exchanges with our visitors. These meetings have helped to show the New York that few tourists see and have helped them to see comparisions with their own cultures and governmental systems.

I have taken visitors to far flung locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn and have shown them areas scarcely covered in guide books such as Victorian Flatbush and Brighton Beach with its Russian ambiance. I have likewise done visits to Clinton, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and lower Manhattan and have both taught and learned a great deal.

This organization provides access that is unmatched for this group of visitors. I believe in and support this organization and average 40 to 50 visits per year.