Dominican Republic

2023

Camila and Mayeline

Camila and her daughter Mayeline patiently waited for their new home construction to begin. During the pandemic, many students had plans to engage in the Builds Program, but unfortunately, those plans were put on pause. These students eagerly travelled to the DR in Spring of 2023 to meet Camila and Mayeline. This group, Windy, a former school association, was comprised of students from Vancouver. They had two Builds during their time in the DR.

2023

Wildren, Angelina, Alexa and Geralis

Muskoka Woods' Summer Camp CEO leadership program is for teens ages 15-17. There were two projects for Muskoka Woods during their spring Builds trip. This group of youth built a home alongside Wildren and her daughter Angelina, and grandchildren Alexa and Geralis.

2023

Isabel and Angel

Muskoka Woods' Summer Camp CEO leadership program is for teens ages 15-17. There were two projects for Muskoka Woods during their spring Builds trip. This group of youth built a home alongside Isabel and her grandson, Angel.

José and his family

As the sole income earner in the family, José works hard as a carpenter throughout the surrounding areas.

Their son little José is their pride and joy, and has the nickname "Peluquín" (Spanish for toupée) because he was born with a head full of hair.

The home that they used to live in made everyday life difficult, as rain would often destroy their belongings. Their dream to have a safe and secure home came true in 2019 when a group of students from Sentinel Secondary School came on a Build. Now they are able to stay dry and healthy in their new home.

Daniela and Ambrior

Daniela is a housewife whose husband, Ambiorix, works in the military receiving one of the lowest salaries in the country. They have lived in their current house since they first got married, 11 years ago and Daniela was just 14 years old at the time. Daniela and Ambiorix have one son, Adrian, they dream of having more children someday but feel it is unsafe to bring more children into their current living situation. The family regularly deals with the challenges of rats, termites and flooding leaving a steady stream of clean up for Daniela to tackle each day. All that, accompanied by unstable walls and a weak structure has left the family concerned about safety and security. Another added worry to Daniela’s already difficult day to day life is her nephew. He is 5 years old and is suffering from Leukemia. Daniela is overcome with emotion as she shares with us that any extra time she doesn’t have to spend tending to her home, allows her to support her sister in caring for him. After experiencing a terrible scare with their nephews health one year ago, Ambiorix developed high blood pressure and recognizes a new home would not only offer greater stability for them as a family but it would also reduce his stress levels, improving his overall health. Upon learning that they will be receiving a new home, Daniela’s face lights up and she immediately expressed how wonderful it will be to have her very own clean bathroom in her very own clean home, one that she can share with her neighbours who, at this time, are all sharing a single bathroom.

Sarahi

Sarahi is a single mother who fights every day in order to support herself and her daughter Samantha. Eight years ago they were involved a car accident in which her daughter suffered emotional trauma and Sarahy lost her ability to walk. Although her husband left her shortly after, Sarahi refused to let any of life’s hardships drag her down. She works hard selling used clothing in the local markets. She is full of dreams and hopes for the future and does not simply wait for them, she gets out there and chases them. Sarahy is determined to give her daughter a higher education and to make herself independent once more. They both are currently staying at her mother’s place and have become increasingly eager to live on their own once again. She has worked hard for the past 3 years to pay off her very own property. Sarahi wants to show others with disabilities and troubles that it is possible to get back on your feet and show the world what you are made of. When news of the home came, they both expressed a deep gratitude and are extremely happy this dream is coming true. They can’t wait to get started to meet and work together with the team who will bring them joy and smiles. Thanks to the Beaumont group for making this possible.