London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/02/2015 -- The Great Projects (www.thegreatprojects.com) announces a 15 percent discount on all bornean orangutan volunteer projects for the month of November. They chose to do so as a way to celebrate Orangutan Awareness Week, which ran from November 9-15, 2015, and is designed to celebrate the Great Apes while raising awareness of their plight. Individuals who wish to learn more about volunteering with these amazing animals find The Great Projects provides a great way to do so.

"Experts estimate there are less than 61,000 orangutans left in the wild. Unless changes are made, this number is expected to continue to decline, with poaching, the illegal pet trade and deforestation being a few of the causes of this decrease. Now is the time to join an orangutan conservation project and make a difference not only in the lives of these animals, but in the world in general," Michael Starbuck, spokesperson for The Great Projects, states.

Stephanie Brown, an associate professor at Stony Brook University's Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics, studies the psychosocial benefits obtained by volunteers. Brown and her colleagues have found that older individuals improve their physical and psychological well-being along with the well-being of those they help. Volunteering helps increase a person's relationship satisfaction, reduces depression associated with the loss of a partner and manages stress.

"Individuals who have been thinking of volunteering should definitely do so, as these benefits are observed even when a person's medical history is taken into consideration. With the discount currently being offered, an individual can do so and save money. Not only will the physical and psychological effects be seen, but the person will have a sense of pride, knowing they have done something to help these incredible animals," Starbuck continues.

Participants of any age, in an experience of this type, find they expand their horizons in numerous ways. In addition to working with amazing animals, each volunteer has the opportunity to pick up a new language and try new foods. They also get to live amidst a different culture and humans with different customs. Many also find they benefit in terms of their career when they volunteer abroad.

"Now is the time to sign up for an orangutan project, as these savings won't last long. With the holidays approaching, people may wish to consider giving the gift of an experience to a loved one also. All who participate find the journey changes them in ways they never could have imagined," Starbuck declares.

About The Great Projects
The Great Projects began with a single project, one that was such a success it led to the expansion of the program and the creation of new projects on five continents of the globe. The organization now hosts more than 35 projects, allowing individuals to volunteer with the wildlife species of their choice in an amazing environment. Volunteers who choose to take care of this opportunity find they are completely immersed in the experience, one they will never forget.