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Build Details

Dominican Republic

Location

$2,950

Fundraising goal*

Feb 14, 2025

Start Date

Feb 22, 2025

Last Date

14+

For Ages

40

Service Hours

Puerto Plata

Meeting Point

*Not including self managed airfare

Experience the Dominican Republic!

When you join us on a Build in the Dominican Republic, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture while leaving a lasting impact on the lives of families and communities that need it most.

You’ll work hard alongside volunteers, ground staff, translators, local contractors, and a deserving family so that you can all celebrate together and welcome them into their safe, new home. During the 9 days, lives are changed and connections are made that can last a lifetime.

The work itself is the reason we come together, but we’ll also be introducing you to all the communities we work in, bring you to our favourite Caribbean restaurant called Mama Maria’s, and give you a chance to see why it’s called paradise (think of palm trees and views overlooking the ocean).

Over the years, volunteers like you have joined us to construct homes, schools, community centres, and other projects for communities along the north coast of the island. No previous experience is necessary for a Build, only a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for your interest in this life-changing experience. Please read through the following information and feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions.

Minimum Fundraising Requirements

$2,950 – This is the amount each volunteer has been asked to fundraise/contribute in order to join us on this LiveDifferent Build, This total now includes the Excursion Activity and Team Dinner Out.

There is an initial $300 due within two weeks of registering.

Have Questions?

 

Tyler Leighton, Coordinator of International Programs

Toll-Free: 1-866-432-4464

Email: tyler@livedifferent.com

2:13

Ten days that will change lives, including yours.

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What's included?

  • Airport shuttles to and from the Sosua By The Sea Resort on the day your Build starts and the day your Build ends
  • Meals and accommodations at the resort
  • Materials, local labour required for your Build project(s)
  • Transportation to and from resort and project sites each day
  • Construction foreman
  • Translators
  • Group hosting and facilitation
  • Evening debriefings and activities
  • LiveDifferent staff on-site and available 24/7
  • Family visit experience
  •  Team dinner out
  • Excursion day activity
  • Furniture and groceries for the family's new home

What's not included

  • Flights to and from Puerto Plata (POP), Dominican Republic
  • Any immunizations or testing required for travel (please consult your family physician or local travel clinic at least 3 months prior to your LiveDifferent Build)
  • Airport shuttles to and from the resort if arriving before the Build starts or leaving after the Build ends
  • Emergency Travel Medical Insurance
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
  • Private room at the resort - Extra $30/night CAD
  • Recommended resort staff and translator tip: $40 USD
  • Personal spending money (for items such as snacks/souvenirs)
  • Please Note: LiveDifferent is not responsible for flight delays or cancellations.
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Check out the itinerary

Day 01/9

Day 02/9

Day 03 - 06/9

Day 7/9

Day 8/9

Day 9/9

Welcome to the DR

Fly into Puerto Plata (POP), Dominican Republic. Settle into the resort: Sosua By The Sea (www.sosuabythesea.com). Meet the staff and orientation.

Community tours and meet the family

You’ll spend the day getting to know each other and learning about the communities that LiveDifferent works in. And you’ll get to meet the family you’ll be working alongside.

House building days and family visits

When you first show up to the worksite, there will be concrete mixes, bucket lines and rebar waiting for your energy and enthusiasm! Together, with the family, you and your team will be a part of making their dream a reality. Through this experience, you will develop friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Spend some time visiting with a local family in their home. It may be hard to imagine but one visit can change your perspective in ways you never imagined possible. You'll work, laugh, and learn alongside new friends as you step into their world to help out in their daily routines. Translators are always present, so language is never a barrier as you connect together. And these families that you're spending time with are often potential families that could be receiving a new home in the near future.

Day off

We fully support taking advantage of the beauty and excitement of each host country. Each volunteer will be afforded one day off for relaxation and/or adventure! You'll have the option to enjoy the natural beauty or adventure that the Dominican Republic has to offer, so whether you want to choose from a list of excursions or take the day off to read a book under the shade of a palm tree, just know that you've earned it!

Time to celebrate and prepare for what's next

You'll spend the morning preparing for the house celebration, and in the afternoon, you'll be there to welcome the family into their new house that you helped build! It's a moment that will be etched in your memory for many years to come. Your LiveDifferent Build is going to be one of the most intense and life-changing experiences you will ever have. We believe that this is just the beginning and want to help prepare you as you integrate this experience into your everyday life. We'll have a final debrief where we talk about how to continue making a difference in our local and global communities.

Head home

Fly home out of Puerto Plata (POP), Dominican Republic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I stay?

While volunteering in the Dominican Republic you will be staying at Sosua By The Sea. This cozy boutique-style resort sits on the corner of Sosua Bay, and is surrounded by beaches. As an all-inclusive resort, meals are covered when eating at the hotel. Most rooms have two double beds, and private rooms are available at an extra charge (not eligible for tax receipts).

How do I fundraise for my build?

Most volunteers choose to fundraise using their my.livedifferent.com fundraising page. When you register for a Build, you will have the opportunity to create one too. Not everyone fundraises though, some choose to pay for their Build themselves.

All FAQ's

Help change lives—and experience something unforgettable!

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