Diederik Pen Joins LiveDifferent Board; WestJet Builds Homes in Dominican Republic
LiveDifferent welcomes Diederik Pen to Board of Directors as WestJet Group team members return from building homes in Dominican Republic
Since first partnering with LiveDifferent in 2012, more than 650 WestJet Group team members have built 65 homes in the Dominican Republic through the WestJet LiveDifferent Builds program. The annual Build is a humanitarian trip, and a proud tradition of extending care beyond the airline’s operations. 2025 marks 25 years at LiveDifferent of inspiring compassion and purpose as an established Canadian charity.
Adding to this milestone year, Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and WestJet Group Chief Operating Officer, has joined the Board of Directors at LiveDifferent—further underscoring the alignment and connection to purpose that runs between the two organizations.
“It’s humbling to see the way WestJetters give their time, energy, and heart to make life better for others,” said Diederik. “LiveDifferent’s work reminds us that compassion is contagious and when we come together, we can help communities thrive. Making a difference in the communities where we operate is a natural extension of the care our team members display every day. I’m, personally, very excited to support this worthy cause by serving as a member of the board.”
He will also co-host LiveDifferent’s gala in Calgary on April 16, 2026, raising funds for Canadian youth programming and international humanitarian work.
“Diederik leads with authenticity and a genuine care for people,” said Charles Roberts, CEO of LiveDifferent.“His humility, his willingness to listen, and his belief that compassion can truly transform lives embody the spirit of LiveDifferent. We’re honoured to welcome him to the board.”
WestJet and Sunwing Vacations team members, recently returned from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, after taking part in this year’s WestJet LiveDifferent Build. Over 10 days, nearly 50 employees worked alongside local families, contractors and translators to build homes and strengthen community infrastructure in an underserved area. The team tied rebar, mixed and poured concrete, smooth-coated walls and laid floors—all under the hot and humid Caribbean sun.
This year’s group also over-fundraised nearly $18,000 above their goal, which will go to support key community infrastructure projects that benefit the entire community. This includes building pathways in one community, the repair of a bridge in another, an investment into LiveDifferent’s Emergency Relief and Community Development Fund, and the purchase of materials for an upcoming project with LiveDifferent Academy students later this year.
Founded in 2000, LiveDifferent empowers youth to live with compassion through in-school mental wellness programming and home-building projects across Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Thailand.
View original article HERE.