Our Origins
Founded by Sheila Fitzgerald, EVA (Ethical Volunteer Adventures) is the culmination of decades of experience in the voluntary and academic sectors as well as the travel industry. Combined with a lifelong passion for community development Sheila started EVA in 2024 joining forces with Matt Fenton from Inspired Ventures Limited in 2025 to form a robust, financially responsible and comprehensive travel opportunity.
We recognised that the 'young at heart'—those over 40 and 50 and way over!—were looking for more than just sightseeing. They wanted connection, authenticity, and the chance to contribute their skills to meaningful journeys. Most of our guests arrive as solo travellers but leave as a firm part of the EVA community.
Our Vision
We envision a world where travel can be a force for good. Through grassroots involvement, we work hand-in-hand with local communities to ensure our projects deliver genuine, sustainable impact.
Our commitment extends to the environment with our 'One Traveller, One Tree' initiative. For every person who travels with us, we plant a tree to support reforestation and climate resilience.
Our Third Act
'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players'
-William Shakespeare
Shakespeare felt we had 7 acts to live, but I think that can be simplified to a life in 3 acts.
In the first act, we have our youth and childhood, full of learning, development and exploration.
This is followed by the second act which is adulthood. We have careers or home lives, grow into maturity and live the life we were meant to lead.
For those of us lucky to make it this far, we are in the third and final act of our lives. For me, while I had a good life, I feel that founding EVA and giving people the opportunity to travel with purpose has been the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I have done. Our generation of boomers are probably the luckiest generation to be alive right now and we have a unique opportunity to right some of the environmental wrongs of the past.
Your Trust, Our Priority
EVA is in partnership Inspired Ventures Limited (Company No: 08343883). We ensure full financial protection for our travellers through independent trust accounts.
What Makes Us EVA
Social Connection
Arrive as a solo traveller, leave as part of a friendship group of like-minded travellers. Our trips are designed for the vibrant over-50s who value meaningful human connection.
Purposeful Impact
Every trip includes hands-on volunteering. All of our projects are based on identified local needs working in conjunction with small NGOs or community groups. Every project has a purpose.
Authentic Discovery
Get off the beaten track. We prioritise local homestays, loca led tours, and genuine cultural immersion over generic tourism.
