Volunteers from Canada recently completed a mission. They built homes in El Salvador. Andy Keys from Swift Current was part of this team. This trip made a huge difference. It was for the charity Shelter Helpers. The group included 24 people. They came from southwest Saskatchewan and Alberta. This news is about their impactful journey.
The Shelter Helpers Mission
Shelter Helpers is a Canadian charity. Its goal is to build homes. It also aims to build relationships. The organization works in El Salvador. They partner with local communities. Families receiving homes are involved. This creates ownership and dignity. Volunteers bring hope. They provide financial support. Meaningful connections are made. The joy of a new future is shared. Over 300,000 families lack safe homes. This is a big need in El Salvador. Shelter Helpers addresses this challenge. They build safe and secure housing. This provides a shelter from the elements. It also offers the security of a locked door. Many people take this security for granted.
A Team of Dedicated Builders
The team consisted of 24 volunteers. They traveled from various places. Communities like Leader and Elrose were represented. Okotoks and Slave Lake also sent people. The volunteers ranged in age. They were from 12 to over 60 years old. Andy Keys and his wife, Monica, were among them. They met the team in Calgary. Then they flew to Mexico City. Next, they went to San Salvador. A bus ride took them to the build sites. The team aimed to maximize fundraising dollars. They chose lower-cost flights. This ensured more money went to materials. It was for construction directly.
Building Houses, One Day at a Time
The volunteers worked in three build teams. A typical day started early. Breakfast was around 6 a.m. They headed to the job site by 8 a.m. The goal was ambitious. They aimed to complete one home in the morning. Another house was built in the afternoon. The homes are pre-fabricated. A partner construction group makes them. They arrive as complete packages. Detailed instructions are included. This helps volunteers assemble them. They learn the process quickly. The first house took more time. Teams needed to adjust. Builds became smoother afterward. Digging post holes was hard. The ground was often hardened. This was the most challenging task. It shows the physical effort involved.
More Than Just Construction
Beyond the physical labor, connections formed. These personal ties were impactful. Volunteers met the families early on. They met everyone receiving a home. Music, dancing, and speeches were part of this. Translators helped everyone communicate. Andy Keys stated it’s not just building. It’s about connection too. It is not a quick in-and-out job. Volunteers spent time with the children. They were often at the build sites. This builds a stronger sense of community. It shows people care deeply. Such experiences are truly trending. They highlight making a huge difference.
Fundraising and Lasting Impact
This trip raised substantial funds. Approximately $121,000 was collected. This money covered the trip and materials. The homes provide safety and hope. They protect families from rain. They offer security for possessions. This allows people to seek work. They can leave their homes without worry. Families prayed for new homes. They found renewed faith. The experience is deeply moving. It transforms lives for generations. It is about making a lasting impact. These people are building a better future.
A Rewarding Experience
Andy Keys would return to El Salvador. He hopes to inspire others. He wants more people to learn about these builds. This news highlights dedicated people. They are truly making a difference. Their field of interest is humanitarian aid. All involved are heroes. This story is about El Salvador. It is about the people there. It shows the power of collective effort. It is a top story about global goodwill. This trip offers valuable lessons. It proves small actions can create big change. The experience is incredibly rewarding. People are changing their world. The news is inspiring to all.
