Volunteer

Big Hearts in a Hot World

Most experts in refugee management believe the best long-term solution is not to send refugees to other countries, but to improve conditions in their own country.

There is no doubt the humanitarian gestures of countries taking refugees such as we do in Canada, including individual sponsorship, is a noble and wonderful thing. These people normally make great new citizens.

The fact is, there are more than 65 million people stuck in camps in many places around the world, waiting for a better place to go. The press reminds us daily of the tensions this creates.

As we know, Mr. Trump believes the people coming into the U.S. through Mexico are all criminals and a wall is the solution. In fact, 99% of these people are like you and me, just wanting for a better life for themselves and their families.

Recently, aid agreements have been revised between the U.S. and Central American countries such as El Salvador. The funds will focus on programmes in the countries of origin to counter the issues of poverty, fear, lack of opportunity, violence and loss of hope which lead people to want to emigrate. These programmes take many forms and in fact, have been provided by a number of NGOs and have been going on for some time.

One such programme recently took place when 13 Rotarians and friends went to El Salvador to build homes for some poor people in rural El Salvador. The trip was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Toronto in partnership with the Rotary Club of Noroeste in the city of San Salvador.

 

Mud Shacks

 

The homes were to replace shacks made from mud, miscellaneous pieces of wood and punctured pieces of tin in Talnique, a small village in the hills, about 45 minutes from San Salvador. These homes are pre-fabricated and cost $5000 each.

 

The group paid their own way and included money to fund the houses (they raised other money too). Some of the volunteers had been on one or more of our 30 sweat equity trips before, but some were coming for the first time. Some had special skills such as plumbing and electricity. Many had no building skills, but everyone came with the desire to do what was asked.

Every morning the Rotarians and friends, after an exciting mountainous bus ride, would arrive at the village to be met by the villagers, including their Mayor.

 

They went to work placing the blocks, grouting, smoothing the dirt floor and painting. While there, they completed three homes; money has been raised for four more.

The villagers choose the recipients of the homes and the recipients participated in the building. Not surprisingly, the participants developed great camaraderie with each other, but also with the local villagers.

 

 

Recipients working on houses

One such person was Kathy, the young single mother of two young children, who formed a warm relationship with many of the volunteers. She is so thankful to have a home which will be dry and clean where she can raise her children.

 

 

 

 

 

Soccer balls and uniforms

There were also visits to a local coffee plantation, a retirement home and schools, where they gave out school supplies, soccer balls and uniforms which they brought with them. They also gave out some beds and other household necessities.

Every one of the participants want to return – which we hope they do – next year. They still need about 40 homes.

On departure, Antonio, the Mayor, spoke of the hearts of one who would travel to their small town and spend their time and money to build a home for people they did not know, bringing hope to that community. The group, in turn, was taken by the big hearts of the local people who spend so much time just trying to survive, but always have time to help their neighbours.

Group presenting the deed to a house

Brian Westlake and Paul Cusimano who found the project, did a great job of leading the trip in partnership with Tito Mancini, a local Rotarian in El Salvadore.

The other participants who all did many positive things when they were there included Joyce Westlake, Cynthia Cusimano, Mauricio Canjura (a Salvadorian living in Toronto), Annelise and Alex Taylor, Widit McLean, Hellie Weller, Fred Chenoweth, Vicki Malo,

Glen McArthur and Rob Leek. Back home – Maureen Bird, Carole Hutchinson and Andrea Tirone and Julie Dunaiskis did miscellaneous organizational work.

Jennifer Patterson of Merit Travel, our very conscientious travel agent, was a very key part of this, as were our various donors, and of course, the various Rotary clubs who participated.

Group at the Airport

I was not able to go on this trip, however, I did help to organize it. Among other things, I went to the airport to see the team off. As I turned to leave, I felt very sad – almost in tears – that I was not going. But I also had a warm feeling. Here was another Sweat Equity trip going off to give some marginalized people a small lift up in their lives.

On hearing the stories on their return, I was not disappointed.

Till next time,

Chris Snyder

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