8 mental wellness tips for creating an inviting classroom

In our books, there’s no job more important than teaching!

Teachers are the guiding lights that illuminate young minds and shape the future. From the early morning greetings to the late-night lesson planning, your dedication knows no bounds. You create safe havens where students can flourish, allowing them to embrace their unique talents and discover their passions. 

Your impact extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Teachers have the incredible opportunity to not only educate students academically but also to nurture their overall well-being. By incorporating mental wellness education into classrooms, you can empower students with essential skills and strategies that will benefit them throughout their lives. 

To help with this mission, we’ve provided eight practical tips to help teach students about mental wellness. Inspired by our Circles Program, these tips will help students develop empathy, resilience, self-care practices and emotional intelligence.

8 mental wellness tips to use in your classroom

By gathering around a shared set of values and agreements, students are invited to show up in ways that foster brave space. We use these tips when gathering to have meaningful conversations about things that matter, but they can also apply within your classroom and beyond.

Commit to kindness

Cultivate a culture of kindness in your classroom. Teach students to recognize and respect the emotions and experiences of others, and show them that caring for others contributes to their own well-being as well. Encourage acts of kindness, empathy-building activities, and opportunities for students to support and uplift their peers. 

Classroom example: Create a “compliment chain”. Hang a string or chain along one of the walls and encourage students to write anonymous compliments on small pieces of paper and attach them to the chain. This could be something they appreciate about a classmate’s personality, a helpful action they witnessed or a talent someone possesses.

Desire to develop

Remind students that each of us has the potential to become a better version of ourselves, and increase eagerness to learn and grow. Encourage student growth through self-reflection and guide students in reflecting on their thoughts, feelings and actions. 

Classroom example: Have students keep a daily gratitude, emotions or self-care journal, and help them identify patterns, triggers and areas of personal growth.

Connect in cause

Students benefit when they understand their life experience is not just about their individual selves, but how we as a group can make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Rally your students to get involved in the school or wider community through volunteering or acts of kindness.

Classroom example: Identify volunteer opportunities through school clubs or events, start a fundraiser or collect donation items for a local charity, or research one cause that students can start raising awareness about.

Enforce a judgment-free zone

When we encourage students to drop their judgments and simply listen with open hearts, that is where meaningful connections flourish. Create an environment where students can feel comfortable discussing their emotions and experiences. Encourage open dialogue about mental health and well-being, allowing students to share their thoughts, concerns and questions without judgment. 

Classroom example: Use initiatives like LiveDifferent’s Peer Mentorship Program in the classroom. This program was designed to build community and develop both leadership and personal development in students. It includes videos, resources and material needed for students to have discussions around authenticity, empathy, growth mindset, resilience, values and altruism.

Honour personal stories and boundaries

Building trust among peers takes a lot of courage, and one way to honour that is by encouraging students to keep stories that are shared in the classroom experience within the classroom (unless it concerns anyone’s safety).

Classroom example: Collaboratively create a “Circle of Trust” agreement. Explain that this doesn’t mean students can’t talk about what they’ve learned or discussed, but rather they won’t share identifying details or personal experiences that others have shared without permission. This agreement can be written down and displayed in the classroom, serving as a visual reminder of the commitment they’ve made.

Choose to share, pass or come back to me

Any time you are asking students to be brave in the classroom space, employ options that make them feel OK to pass on a question, share as little as they are comfortable with, or if they need more time before answering, employ the choice to “come back to me.” Options, options, options!

Listen deeply one person at a time

Whenever possible, encourage students to listen deeply, without interrupting others. Encourage students to engage not to debate or argue, but to primarily make people feel heard, seen and understood. 

Classroom example: Show students this video and have them R.A.P: Reflect, ask and posture. Have students pair up in this listening exercise, and have them reflect back on what their partner says to them, ask questions about it, and ensure they have good posture and look friendly to show they’re listening. 

Normalize seeking help

Reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by normalizing the act of seeking help. Discuss the availability of support systems within the school, such as counsellors or psychologists. Remind them that they are not alone and teach students that reaching out for help is a courageous and essential step toward maintaining their mental wellness.

Classroom example: Invite mental health professionals, counsellors or individuals with lived experiences to speak to your students. You can also redirect students to the resources available at your school or the Crisis Text Line. 

Dive deeper with Circles

By integrating mental wellness education into classrooms, you can empower students with lifelong skills to navigate the challenges they may face.

LiveDifferent’s Circles program can help you put the above tips into practice. It is designed to help young people explore important values, build stronger relationships and get activated in kindness, leaving your youth more compassionate, resilient and hopeful. Book a discovery call today to learn how Circles can work in your school or classroom.

As teachers, you have the power to shape not only students’ academic success but their overall happiness and resilience. Let us embrace our roles as mental wellness advocates and guide students toward a brighter, healthier future!

Q&A with Board Member Kerry Brandt

We’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals on LiveDifferent’s board of directors!

Each person plays a pivotal role in guiding LiveDifferent’s vision, strategy and impact—fueling our mission to create positive change in the world. Their unwavering dedication, expertise and boundless compassion have been instrumental in transforming countless lives and communities. 

Prepare to be uplifted as we uncover untold stories, wisdom gained and the passion that drives this team to make a difference.

Meet Kerry Brandt, Chairman of the Board

Kerry lives in Rosenort, Manitoba, where he and his lovely wife Barb, raised three wonderful children.

Kerry and Barb dreamt of being a part of hope and change in a tangible way, and when they heard about a friend’s kid going on a life-changing humanitarian trip, they realized they wanted to do the same thing with their kids. Another friend mentioned crossing paths with a LiveDifferent staff member in Mexico, so Kerry called up the office in Hamilton to learn more. 

Coincidentally, LiveDifferent’s CEO, Charles Roberts, was in Winnipeg when he called, so the two met up at a truck stop and from there planned the family’s first Build. That initial trip resulted in many more Builds and eventually led to Kerry accepting the Chairman position on our Board of Directors. 

When he’s not busy leading the charge for LiveDifferent, Kerry wears multiple hats as a co-owner of Brandt Trucking—a family-run business that has been a partner of LiveDifferent since 2008. As the head of sales and marketing, he spends his days connecting with potential customers, all the while daydreaming about the next time he can visit our LiveDifferent communities.

His heart is truly invested in the cause, and his unwavering support shines through in his kind words, thoughtful gifts and mouthwatering steak BBQs!

Q: What inspired you to join the LiveDifferent board?

A: My whole family fell in love with LiveDifferent during our first Build. As I learned more about the organization, I wanted to get involved in guiding and protecting the organization, and my background equipped me to help in this way.

Q: What is your favourite thing about being a board member?

A: Always the people! The board members, the staff, the road teams, everyone!

Q: How has your experience with LiveDifferent changed you as a person?

A: LiveDifferent has opened me up to a different level of empathy and a desire to do all I can to make the world a better place for others. I’ve learned that time is currency, that you only get to spend it once and I want to be strategic with how it is spent.

Q: If you could pick one project or initiative that you are most proud of, what would it be and why? 

A:  I’ve thought about this question a lot and it’s very tough to choose, but the work that has been done within Indigenous communities and with their youth wins. I was able to visit Oxford House with Sheila [North], it’s where she grew up – that was an unforgettable day.

It’s such a complex issue with no easy answer and so people often avoid it, but LiveDifferent doesn’t shy away from people. They just want to make a difference and so jump in, do what you can with what you got.

Q: How have you seen LiveDifferent’s work positively impact people’s lives? 

A: I have so many examples, but after our first Build trip in Mexico, we went back again the next Christmas and visited the family from the first trip. Seeing the transformation a house made to the family, seeing the difference, the family said the house was the catalyst to change for improving their lives.

Q: How do you hope to contribute to LiveDifferent in the future?

A: I’d love to contribute in whatever ways I can. My goal is to get to a place where Barb and I can spend extended time in Haiti or Mexico or the Dominican Republic; maybe even travel on the ice road tour!

Learn more

We are immensely grateful to the extraordinary individuals like Kerry who make up our board of directors. We are privileged to have such an exceptional group who wholeheartedly believe in our vision and generously share their time, skills and resources to ensure our success.

Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with the incredible minds behind the scenes. Learn more about our team and get inspired to create change alongside them.

Together, we can make a real and lasting impact!

Q&A with Board Member Paige Derksen

We’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals on LiveDifferent’s board of directors!

Each person plays a pivotal role in guiding LiveDifferent’s vision, strategy and impact, fueling our mission to create positive change in the world. Their unwavering dedication, expertise and boundless compassion have been instrumental in transforming countless lives and communities. 

Prepare to be uplifted as we uncover untold stories, wisdom gained and the passion that drives this team to make a difference.

Meet Paige Derksen

Paige is the newest member of the LiveDifferent team and a dedicated realtor residing and working in Winnipeg. With a heart for community involvement, Paige’s journey with LiveDifferent began around ten years ago when her aunt, uncle, and cousins – who were already engaged with the organization – shared their experiences of participating in various Builds. Inspired by their stories, Paige and her immediate family started attending LiveDifferent galas and providing financial support from the inception of the event.

Driven by a personal desire to contribute on a deeper level, Paige took the initiative to involve her work team at Marcia Bergen Group in supporting the Freedom Village. Every year, a portion of their commissions from each transaction goes towards ensuring the safety and well-being of a girl living in the village. Given her profession as a realtor, Paige recognizes the importance of secure housing and finds it fulfilling to give back to the community in this manner.

Q: What inspired you to join the LiveDifferent Board of Directors? 

A: I was motivated to join the board at LiveDifferent because I wanted to give back uniquely, beyond just money. I planned to invest my time and energy to make a real impact and help improve the lives of others. By actively engaging with the organization, I aim to use my skills and dedication to make a meaningful difference and support its mission.

Q: What is your favourite thing about being a board member?

A: Since joining the board, I’ve loved two things: making new connections and getting an inside look at how the organization really works. It’s given me a better understanding of how I can help out and encourage others to give back too. I’m excited to explore more ways to support the cause and inspire a culture of giving.

Q: If you could pick one project or initiative that you are most proud of, what would it be and why? 

A: One achievement that fills me with pride is the Freedom Village in Haiti. Witnessing its growth and development since my initial involvement with LiveDifferent has been truly remarkable. 

It is incredibly exciting to see the village open its doors, and even more so to have the opportunity to support a girl, providing her with a safe living environment and access to education. I am thrilled and deeply excited to watch the girls in the Freedom Village heal, recover and grow. Their safety and well-being are of paramount importance, and knowing that they can now live in a secure environment fills my heart with joy. 

The Marcia Bergen Group, the team I am part of, is excited to be partnering with LiveDifferent and eagerly anticipates the incredible work that lies ahead at the Freedom Village. We are committed to witnessing the positive impact and transformation that will shape the lives of these girls in the future.

Q: How has your experience with LiveDifferent changed you as a person?

A: My experience with LiveDifferent has enhanced my empathy, compassion and commitment to making a positive impact. I have gained a broader perspective, developed resilience and deepened my sense of purpose. Overall, LiveDifferent has transformed me into a more socially conscious and proactive individual dedicated to creating positive change by living differently every day. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with LiveDifferent? 

A: Just do it! Even if you think your contributions won’t make a difference, know that they will. Every bit helps and it doesn’t always have to be financial, it can be your time and energy – but everything helps! 

Learn more

We are immensely grateful to the extraordinary individuals like Paige who make up our board of directors. We are privileged to have such an exceptional group who wholeheartedly believe in our vision and generously share their time, skills and resources to ensure our success.

Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with the incredible minds behind the scenes. Learn more about our team and get inspired to create change alongside them.

Together, we can make a real and lasting impact!

20 creative fundraising ideas to help you make an impact

Are you looking for a creative and unique way to raise funds for your favourite charity? Then look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 20 creative fundraising ideas to help you reach your goals.

These activities are a great way to raise money, bring people together and have fun. From bake sales to trivia nights and everything in between, there’s something to suit everyone’s interests and skill sets.

Ready to make a difference? Let’s get started!

Fundraising for a LiveDifferent Build

At LiveDifferent, we believe that everyone can make an impact, no matter how big or small.

Fundraising for a LiveDifferent Build may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll be able to point people to your own personal fundraising page and when they donate $20 or more to your Build, we’ll be able to issue them a tax receipt. This means donors will be able to claim up to 100% of their donation on their tax return. This is a nice perk to mention when asking friends and family for support.

The sooner you start fundraising the better. It’s important to set goals to make sure you meet the fundraising requirements in time for your Build. So before you start, be sure to ask yourself:

• How much money needs to be raised?
• When do I need to raise it by?
• What resources do I have available?
• What kind of fundraiser will my community support?
• How much money will I realistically raise with each fundraiser?

These questions will help you plan and focus your efforts. With LiveDifferent, you have the freedom to choose how you raise funds: you can create your own unique fundraiser or use one of our pre-made templates, such as Fund-a-Flight, Fund-a-Project or Fund-a-Vacation.

Whatever your goal is, we can help you get there.

20 creative fundraisers

These creative fundraising ideas will help you rally your community to support your cause.

The more people who know about your fundraiser, the more successful you’ll be, so be sure to use social media, email, flyers and even local newspapers, radio and television to help spread the word. And whatever fundraiser you choose, highlight that all proceeds go towards a charity—this will encourage even more people to come!

Ready to make your Build a reality? Here are some of our volunteers’ favourite ways to fundraise:

Yard sale

Declutter your home and make some cash at the same time. Go through your house and find anything you no longer want or need, ask your friends and neighbours to do the same, and set up a sale in your yard. You’ll be surprised at how much you can raise from second-hand items!

Bake sale

If you’re handy in the kitchen, now’s your time to get creative and whip up all sorts of delicious treats, from cakes, cupcakes and cookies, to pies and pastries. Plus, it’s a great way to get the community involved, as people can donate their baking skills and time to make something special. You could even take this to the next level and sell a community cookbook. Not only is it a great way to raise money, but it’s also an opportunity to bring people together and share a little sweetness.

Craft sale

Are you crafty? You can sell handmade items such as jewelry, cards, paintings, knitwear and more, or you can even showcase products from local artisans. With a craft sale, you can also set up activities like face painting, balloon animals and other fun activities to make the event more entertaining.

Barbecue

Enjoy delicious food with friends and family at a good old-fashioned BBQ! You can make an entire day of it with lawn games, water fights and maybe a hot dog eating contest or two.

You can also partner with a local business for an even bigger impact—they can match donations or donate food and drinks to support the event (your local Boston Pizza might be a good place to start!). They’ll get brand exposure and you’ll be able to amplify your fundraising efforts; it’s a win-win.

Shave a head

Is there someone your school would love to see without any hair? This fundraiser has the potential to raise a large amount in a short period of time. You can ask your friends to donate an amount for each inch of hair your volunteers are willing to shave off, or shave someone’s entire head by reaching a fundraising goal (maybe even their eyebrows!).

Car wash

Get your friends on board and set up a car wash at your local gas station (with the manager’s approval of course). Create big signs and have volunteers on the street directing people your way. You could have a set price or request donations. With the right planning and a little bit of elbow grease, a car wash can be a great way to make a difference!

Raffles and 50-50 draws

Find or make something of value and sell tickets for that item. It might be an autographed picture of someone famous, season tickets, gift cards or even a weekend getaway! You might even be able to get things donated to the raffle from local businesses.

To make it simple, sell tickets for a 50-50 draw letting everyone know 50% of the money raised goes to the name pulled in the draw, and 50% goes towards your fundraising goal. Remember to check if you are required to obtain a license to host a raffle.

Something-a-thon

A “marathon” style fundraiser is a great way to have fun and raise money. To get started, decide on an activity such as a walk-a-thon, dance-a-thon or read-a-thon, and set a goal for the amount of money you would like to raise. Invite friends, family, and community members to join in the fun, and have participants collect pledges based on the number of miles walked, hours danced, pages read, etc.

Tournaments

Bring people together for some friendly competition! Whether it’s a three-on-three basketball tournament, a mini-golf tournament or even a video game tournament, there’s something to appeal to everyone. If you want to take it a step further, reach out to your school’s athletic department to see if any upcoming tournaments are looking for a cause to donate their proceeds.

Sell a kilometre

People can help fund your trip by purchasing kilometres. To do this, calculate the cost of the entire trip to your destination. Then divide this cost by the number of kilometres you will be travelling. This will tell you the cost per kilometre. People can then choose to fund as many kilometres as they like at that cost.

You can also keep track of your fundraising progress with a map of your round-trip route. As you raise money, mark off the distance covered by the sponsors. FYI: Toronto to Sosua, DR, is approximately 3,200 km; and Toronto to Vicente Guerrero, MX, is approximately 4,200 km.

Bottle drive

Ask your family, friends and neighbours to donate their used bottles and cans for redemption. You can even have a friendly competition to see who can bring in the most recyclables. A bottle drive is an easy and effective way to raise money—it’s also environmentally friendly!

Paint night

Bring people together to create something beautiful. Invite a local artist to lead the painting session to make the night even more memorable. You can also provide snacks and drinks while you create your unique masterpieces. No experience necessary—all you need is a brush and a sense of adventure!

Trivia night

Put your smarts to the test and compete with friends and family in a series of rounds of trivia. Create a variety of trivia categories, such as pop culture, current events, sports and music—bonus points If you include some trivia about the place you’re travelling to for your build. You can also offer food, drinks and even prizes for the top teams.

Silent auction

Guests can bid on items of their choice and the highest bidder will take home the prize. You can offer a variety of items like gift baskets, gift certificates, experiences or custom artwork. You can even get local businesses to donate products for a tax receipt equal to the goods donated. Jazz it up as much as you like: Have food for sale, a band and even a multi-media Builds presentation.

Benefit concert

Do you know a band that would be willing to donate their time and talent for a free concert? Or a theatre troupe that is ready to take the stage for a memorable musical performance? Find a local venue to host the concert and put on a fun event for your friends, family and community. Be sure to select a venue that is licensed for this type of event.

Fine dining

Invite friends and family to come together for a delicious meal. You can offer a variety of options for dinner, from a potluck-style dinner to a more formal sit-down dinner. To make it easy, you can provide a suggested donation amount for guests to contribute.

You can also make it extra special by researching local foods from the area you’ll be travelling to for your Build and including them in the meal. This is great as a way to give more information to your guests about what you are doing as well!

Community work

Offer to do odd jobs around town. Think gardening, pet sitting, babysitting, housework, car repairs or even carpentry; whatever people need doing that suits your skill set. You can advertise online or post flyers around your community; the fee would be whatever people would like to pay.

Local businesses and community groups

This is a great way to find corporate or community sponsorship opportunities in your area! Many local businesses and community groups are willing to support charitable efforts and may be interested in partnering with you. You can also leverage their networks to spread the word about your Build.

City and school council

Tap into the resources of your city and school! Oftentimes, local town councils have a stockpile of grant money available to support fundraisers such as this and may be able to offer sponsorship. School councils also host a ton of events throughout the year and may be willing to donate some of their proceeds. Connect with your local council members to see if this is an option.

Birthday or holiday fundraiser

Celebrate your special day by giving back! On an occasion when you would normally receive presents from friends and family, let all the gift-givers know that you would appreciate a donation to your trip instead. This is a great way to show everyone that it’s better to give than receive!

Learn more

No matter what type of fundraiser you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative! With a little bit of planning, you can come up with a successful fundraiser that will help you reach your goals.

Now that you’ve gotten some great ideas for your upcoming fundraiser, it’s time to get started. Set a goal, create a plan and start reaching out to friends and family to help you make it happen. With the right attitude and a bit of hard work, you’ll be well on your way to making the world a better place, one fundraiser at a time!

Download our “20 Creative Fundraising Ideas” PDF

Why every parent should consider a LiveDifferent Build for their kid

If you’re a parent considering sending your child on a humanitarian build, it’s likely you have a few questions.

We understand that sending your kids off to a distant country and entrusting them with the responsibility of helping build homes alongside people facing hardships can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

Rest assured, safety and security are LiveDifferent’s top priorities, and we make sure that each volunteer is well cared for from start to finish.
But beyond safety concerns, there’s something truly special about participating in a Build with LiveDifferent.

A Build reinforces all of the important lessons you’ve taught your kids growing up. It’s an incredible opportunity for your child to gain valuable insight into their world, make life-long friends, discover their capabilities and understand the immense power they have to make a difference.

Can you trust LiveDifferent with your kid?

We at LiveDifferent have been running humanitarian travel projects since 2005, and have had over 5,000 participants with no serious incidents.

We have carefully planned our programs and routes to ensure a safe and culturally enriching experience. We recognize there are always safety measures and risks when travelling to any developing country, and with this in mind, we pay close attention to what is going on in local communities and along the routes we travel.

“Any parents that are considering this, I would just say put your trust in the LiveDifferent crew,” says Lucy Gibson, a parent who recently joined a LiveDifferent Build as a chaperone for her daughter’s school. “They really watch out for the kids – safety is first and foremost – and it’s just really, really well organized. … It feels safe with the LiveDifferent group.“

We maintain excellent community relations and work diligently alongside community leaders, other NGOs working in the area, and often government officials in each country that we work in. All of our staff are first aid certified, well-versed in safety protocols and we always have access available to quality medical attention if needed.

And if any safety concerns come to our attention before or during the program, we communicate this immediately to registered volunteers and their parents or guardians.

“Right from the get-go, there was a lot of information,” says Lucy. “You know, part of the LiveDifferent crew actually lives here, knows the communities, and that’s part of the culture that they try and bring; that culture of trust within the communities.”

How does a LiveDifferent Build benefit your kid?

Aside from maintaining strict safety standards, there are many reasons why sending your child on a Build can be beneficial for their growth and development.

LiveDifferent focuses on shaping the future of each of our volunteers in a profound way while unleashing their potential to make a difference. A Build gives them the opportunity to explore new interests, create valuable experiences, gain independence and work towards a meaningful career. It also teaches important life skills such as problem-solving, effective communication and the importance of teamwork.

Our volunteers also learn about social justice issues from local experts, providing them with an understanding of why their work is so essential in helping communities break out of poverty cycles. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to help those in need and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and we are proud to provide our volunteers with this opportunity.

“I thought it would be a great experience to have with [my daughter] before she goes off to university,” says Lucy. “And also to create awareness within herself to know how privileged we are just to be born in Canada and have what we have, and just give a glimpse of what’s out there in the world and how we can help.”

What’s more, our Builds are incredibly fun! Participants can expect to take part in awesome activities during their free time such as cooking local food, beach days, zip-lining adventures and much more.

“Every day is a new day,” says Lucy. “The itinerary that LiveDifferent puts together is, you know, that of a great balance of work and play. There’s a lot of play on the worksite, but then the kids get to go back and play some football in the pool, play cards, have a movie night; so there’s a great balance.”

What are you waiting for?

At LiveDifferent, we provide a safe and valuable learning experience for your child, while giving you the ability to stay connected throughout. Most of all, we will strive to help your child make the world a better place and change their lives forever.
But don’t just take our word for it …

We would love to have LiveDifferent be a part of your family’s journey! If you have any questions about our Builds or safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our Builds page to learn more.

And if you’d like to join your child on a Build, the more the merrier! We love having families join us in making a difference, and know that the experience will be equally enriching for everyone involved.

Helping to transform lives through freedom, education and empowerment

LiveDifferent is excited to welcome the Marcia Bergen Group to our growing list of amazing partners.

We are proud to announce our new partnership with Marcia Bergen Group, a dedicated team who shares our passion for making a difference in the world. Their contributions are supporting LiveDifferent’s Freedom Village—a cause that is close to their hearts. 

The Freedom Village provides a safe haven for vulnerable girls who have experienced unimaginable abuse through Haiti’s Restavek system. It is a sanctuary where these girls can find freedom and refuge, receive education and, most importantly, get the care they need to heal from their traumas. 

The ongoing operations of the Freedom Village rely heavily upon generous contributions, and we are thrilled to be working alongside the Marcia Bergen Group and other partners to support this important cause.

We can’t thank the Marcia Bergen Group enough for their support and contribution. Together, we’re making a difference in these girls’ lives by offering them a chance to dream big and achieve even bigger.

Veronika: A journey from fear and anger to empathy and kindness

Empathy is essential for positive mental health because it allows us to develop stronger relationships with others and cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding.

Empathy helps us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and experience their feelings, thoughts or attitudes. But it’s not just about understanding someone else’s perspective, it’s also about understanding our own feelings, leading to increased self-awareness and a greater sense of well-being.

Exploring empathy does not undo or make right what someone has done, but when we are intentional about having empathy, we can choose to show compassion over judgment. In a world so deeply divided, we need to be able to listen to each other and connect.

Here’s how Veronika’s experience with empathy has improved her mental well-being.

The Freedom Village: Celebrating a dream come to life

We are thrilled to report that the construction of the Freedom Village is 99% complete. We have started hiring staff and are currently putting the finishing touches on the facility.

We will soon open the doors to girls ages 6 to 16 so they can heal, learn, and ultimately get to a place where they can help serve and care for others in Haiti.

It is estimated that there are over 300,000 restavek children in Haiti. These children are sold or given away by their parents because they simply have no resources to keep them alive. Restavek children are almost always forced to do hard physical work, are denied education and are physically abused.

When LiveDifferent’s Benjamin Cole Brown heard about this system of slavery, he vowed to do something about it, and together with our Haitian partners, created the idea for the Freedom Village in 2013. In 2015, with the help of our partners in Winnipeg, MB, the property was purchased. Tragically one year later, Cole died in a plane crash at 36 years old, but his legacy continues to be honoured by LiveDifferent and so many others. The construction began on the Freedom Village in 2018.

The Freedom Village will help bring young girls out of the restavek system and give them freedom, hope, education and an opportunity for a healthy future. As we come to the end of our construction journey for the Freedom Village, let’s reflect on how far we have come.

Creating a home

Working with our local partner, ASEEDH, not only do we include and employ local workers for our projects, but we also network with local leaders, government officials, community members and other organizations who may be working in the area, so that we can assure that all efforts and resources are maximized completely.

Through many struggles – such as significant currency fluctuations, fights for the opportunity of employment, the riots and unrest that followed the assassination of the Haitian president, as well as a lack of fuel throughout Haiti – we were able to reach this incredible milestone.

“I already imagine this protected space filled with kindness and laughter of little girls who are finally happy.”

Michelle Guillaume, Manager of Operations in Haiti.

The Freedom Village is divided into two sections: The Village and the Guest House. The majority of the property will provide a beautiful space for the girls to heal in a family-style setting. The Guest House is a separate section of the property that will generate income to support the girls’ programming and rehabilitation.

The Village will offer five family-style housing units with a total capacity of 28 girls and 5 house mothers. A counselling room and infirmary are constructed near the base of the site and a covered dining area is nestled on the roof.

The Guest House offers eight suites with a total capacity of 24 people. It also includes a staff apartment, lounge area, office, reception desk, storage depot, conference room, parking and a staff room. Most suites have a generous roof deck space and top-level suites are suitable for families with children.

Operating off-grid

The Freedom Village was designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind.

Rainwater from the roofs is collected and stored for usage as greywater throughout the facility. A solar power system (with diesel generator backup), a laundry room and a commercial kitchen are part of what is needed for the care and comfort of the children and guests.

Security is a top priority here, with the Freedom Village surrounded by large walls and armed guards 24/7. It’s important to note the care and love put into every last detail by the builders – and that includes the construction of the walls. They hand-hammered every stone flat for the wall, and in between each stone, they added smaller stones to add character, providing a more Haitian touch. The beauty of the architecture is truly breathtaking!

Learn more

The creation of the Freedom Village has been a long and arduous journey, but it stands as a testament to the determination and perseverance of LiveDifferent and our partners.

Not only is this project going to provide safe housing for vulnerable young girls, but it is a model of sustainability that shows how thoughtful design can help us honour our commitment to creating a positive, long-term impact in the communities we serve. We are proud to be able to offer this incredible opportunity and look forward to seeing what these young girls will accomplish in their new home.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can support this cause, join LoveLegacy.

Holly: How one teacher’s compassion helped me break free from a bully

Altruism is essential for mental well-being because it encourages us to put others first. Altruism helps us to build meaningful relationships and become part of something greater than ourselves.

People are at their best when they don’t just worry about themselves, but see themselves as a part of the greater good. In doing so, we begin to act as if our actions make a difference … because they do.

By being kind to ourselves and others, we can reduce stress, alleviate loneliness, and increase our feelings of optimism. Our actions can have a ripple effect, and our choices to be kind can have far-reaching impacts, beyond what we can even imagine.

Here’s how Holly’s experience with altruism has improved her mental well-being.

Holly Mace

Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to help people. I wanted to help people so much that sometimes, I would even put myself at risk.

I remember when I was in the third grade and I was trying to help a friend get her lunch bag from her locker. It was on the top shelf, pushed far to the back, and neither of us could reach it.

We had always been told not to climb on the lockers, but my friend’s lunch was at stake here! I figured there would be no harm in scaling a few shelves if it meant helping a friend, right?

So I jumped up to grab her bag, hanging onto the top shelf for dear life. But while I was dangling there trying to reach it, I suddenly lost my grip.

I came tumbling down from the locker and fell right on top of my wrist. It was contorted in a way a wrist should never be contorted, and to this day my wrist is still not right.

For me, when I see a friend in need, it’s like I have these blinders on. I didn’t always have a ton of friends growing up, so when the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to make sure my friends knew that I would do anything to help them.

Learning when to put myself first

When I was in eighth grade, I became best friends with this girl. We started eating lunch together, she introduced me to her friends, and eventually, I became a part of her group.

She confided in me about everything. She had a lot of struggles and I really wanted to be there for her. But I didn’t have the tools to deal with what she was going through at the time.

Eventually, this friendship became really unhealthy. She would call me names, push and hit me, and make me feel like everything bad that happened was my fault.

The dysfunction in this friendship started to affect me. My grades started to slip. I did terribly in math because she would sit behind me throwing highlighters at my head and would even tear up my homework. I was mentally and physically drained and my self-esteem was at an all-time low.

My math teacher, Mr. Auger, noticed how this friend would treat me and often stood up for me in class. A lot of students would eat our lunch in his classroom, but one day as I was about to go in, I remember him standing in the doorway and telling me, “No, you can’t come in here.”

I was so confused! This is where I ate lunch every day and Mr. Auger and I had a really great relationship. I thought I had done something wrong.

But instead, he said, “I’m not going to let you eat in here today, because she is in here. You’re going to go eat with your friends who actually treat you like a friend, you’re going to have a nice lunch and then you’re going to come back and we’re going to do math.”

At first, I thought this was super weird, but was later so grateful for what he had done. I didn’t realize how much I needed that one person to say, “You can’t take this abuse anymore; you have to move on.” That day was an amazing gift because that was the day I told myself I wasn’t going to let this bully take any more from me.

How altruism changed my life

I started ignoring this friend when they bullied me in class, and would instead hang out with the friends I had made on a school trip to New York. And eventually, I stopped being friends with her altogether.

I told her how much I respected everything she was going through, and that I understood the pain she was in, but that I couldn’t be that person carrying that weight for her. I did really want to help her and was sorry that I couldn’t.

Leaving that friendship behind made a world of difference! I felt like I finally had a handle on my life again. I started feeling better about myself, I made better friends, and I was able to focus in class—I got a 48% in math when dealing with this bully who was masquerading as a friend, but that grade skyrocketed to a 97% once I started leaning into healthier friendships.

I’m forever grateful to Mr. Auger for seeing my struggle. For standing up for me when I didn’t know how to stand up for myself, and giving me the courage to find my own strength.

It made me realize how much power there is in a single moment because that moment changed so much for me.

Mr. Auger showed me how important it is to set boundaries, but he also showed me that sometimes all it takes is noticing someone and caring about them to help put them on a better path.

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Mental health is an ongoing journey and it is important to make sure that we all take the time to check in with ourselves, our loved ones and our mental well-being.

LiveDifferent Circles equips young people with the skills and tools needed to build positive mental health. Through conversations on authenticity, empathy, growth, resilience, altruism and values, youth develop the self-confidence to deal with the issues they’re facing and take positive action in their communities.

Want to join people like Holly and help youth across Canada build positive mental health? Become a Road Team Volunteer! Want to learn more about Circles and how it can make a difference in your community? See how LiveDifferent can help!

Hasan: Unveiling the human side of dad

Empathy is essential for positive mental health because it allows us to develop stronger relationships with others and cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding.

Empathy helps us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and experience their feelings, thoughts or attitudes. But it’s not just about understanding someone else’s perspective, it’s also about understanding our own feelings, leading to increased self-awareness and a greater sense of well-being.

Exploring empathy does not undo or make right what someone has done, but when we are intentional about having empathy, we can choose to show compassion over judgment. In a world so deeply divided, we need to be able to listen to each other and connect.

Here’s how Hasan’s experience with empathy has improved his mental well-being.

Hasan Shahzad

Does anyone else think that Spiderman is the best superhero? Like legit, just swinging around the city from building to building? That’s the dream.

I still love Spiderman, but as a kid I was obsessed. I remember when Spiderman 3 came out and I wanted nothing more in the world than to get that game. I had an original Xbox and my Dad and I went from store to store trying to find the game until finally one associate at the store explained that they were not releasing the game on the older consoles and I wouldn’t be able to get it.

I thought all hope was lost. That it was over, throw in the towel, doneski.

Then my dad asks, “Well what consoles work for that game?” The associate said, “The PlayStation 3 can support that game.” And my dad’s like, “All right, let’s do it. Get the PS3.” I remember on the drive home clutching my PS3 and just sobbing.

More than Spiderman, the greatest superhero I knew was my dad.

The power of a parent’s presence

I remember getting off the plane in Canada from Pakistan and seeing my dad at the airport. He left Pakistan when I was two and now, standing there at 6 years old, he was bigger than I imagined. It was like watching a slow-motion hero shot from a Marvel movie.

Everything was amazing when we first immigrated to Canada to be with my Dad. What I didn’t expect was that, over the next couple of years, my dad – who was like a hero – would slowly become more of what felt like a villain in my story.

As I began to grow up in Canada, there was always this tension in my family and it stemmed from my dad not being present. Parent-teacher interviews, basketball games—you name it, he wasn’t there.

I remember in the eighth grade he finally showed up to something; it was my provincial spelling bee final. I had won at my school level, made it through my district and was headed to provincials. It was the big time, baby! The best part was that my dad was going to be there.

I remember the feeling of approaching the microphone on stage to masterfully execute the spelling of a word like “chrysanthemum.” But I remember standing up there looking towards my parents, and there my dad is looking down at his phone. He stands up and just walks out. He was on his phone the entire time.

The Bag of buttons that changed everything

I had all this bitterness and anger and resentment towards my Dad, but that began to change because of a bag of buttons.

I remember one day my dad pulled out a small plastic bag full of pins. In the bag were pins from a gas station, McDonalds and KFC, and all the different jobs he had during his time as a new refugee working in New York and New Jersey. He began to explain how there were seasons where he would have to walk 45 minutes each day to work, just to make $6.50 an hour. He sent most of the money back to Pakistan to support my mom, sister and me.

He told me about the moment he knew he needed to leave New York. It was September 11, 2001, when he was on a train in New Jersey. The train was stopped on the track because there had been some sort of bombing in New York City. My dad sat there and watched the second plane crash into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

When people on the train started getting word that it was a terrorist attack from someone from the Middle East, he could feel everyone’s eyes turn to him. He no longer felt safe or welcome.

My dad immigrated to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to start over once again. He worked at a hotel, would do nights as a cab driver and eventually got into real estate and started becoming an extremely successful real estate developer.

I started reflecting back to the time when my family first arrived in Canada to finally be with my Dad. I remember walking into my sister’s and my room and on either side of the room were matching bunk beds. One was red and one was blue. The closet was full of brand-new clothes and there were so many new toys. And for every toy I had, my sis got one that countered. I got a cool Jeep and my sister got a Barbie convertible. I thought we were in heaven. I began thinking about all the things that my Dad went through to get to that point and I found a deep sense of gratitude.

The power of empathy: Reimagining my dad’s story

At the end of the day, I would have traded everything my Dad gave me just to have him be more present, so I asked my dad “ Why weren’t you there for me? Why couldn’t you just be there for me when I really needed you?” And I remember he replied, “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you in your basketball games. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you in these little moments. I had a job to do. And I did the best job I could to give you guys everything I didn’t.”

When I took a second to imagine life from his perspective and imagine myself escaping persecution and fleeing to the U.S. to make a life for our family, landing in New York, facing discrimination and starting over again in Canada; when I think about all those things, I think I might have done the exact same thing … I might have been the exact same way.

When I reflect on my Dad’s life, I think about all the sacrifices he made so that my life could be easier than his. In my mind, I had always made out my Dad to be a hero or a villain in my story, and what I have learned through empathy is understanding that my dad is just human.
So now I’ve chosen not to write a story of bitterness and anger from my past, and have chosen not to see my Dad as a hero or a villain.

Instead, I’ve chosen to see him as the man with a bag of pins that made a future for our family.

Learn more

Mental health is an ongoing journey and it is important to make sure that we all take the time to check in with ourselves, our loved ones and our mental well-being.

LiveDifferent Circles equips young people with the skills and tools needed to build positive mental health. Through conversations on authenticity, empathy, growth, resilience, altruism and values, youth develop the self-confidence to deal with the issues they’re facing and take positive action in their communities.

Want to join people like Hasan and help youth across Canada build positive mental health? Become a Road Team Volunteer! Want to learn more about Circles and how it can make a difference in your community? See how LiveDifferent can help!