Ecuador Volunteer Trip 2018

In 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Ecuador, destroying fishing ports, tourist beaches and dozens of homes, schools and hospitals in the coastal cities and towns. Reports following this disaster confirmed over 600 dead and 16000 injured. After the earthquake, many groups worldwide came to Ecuador to mobilize relief efforts, and help Ecuador rebuild what was lost. Although much help has been given, the people of Ecuador, especially those in rural regions, desperately need our continued help.

Help, Learn and Discover (HLD) is a volunteer organization approaching its 13th summer building homes and providing hope to families in the poorest regions of Ecuador. Since 2005, HLD students have collectively fundraised over $1 MILLION and have constructed over 150 homes in rural Ecuador. Last year, HLD staff and students participated in rebuilding the community of Pujili. With generous donations from sponsors, students travelling with HLD collectively fundraised over $80,000 USD and helped build 20 new homes for families who had nearly nothing. This year, HLD will be returning to Ecuador, and need your support for the volunteer project.

In August, I will be travelling to Ecuador with HLD, along with other students from Canada and the USA, to offer ongoing support to the families affected by poverty and natural disasters. Together, we will help build 20 new earthquake-resistant homes for families who have lost everything. Each home will have two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living area, and running water/electricity. The cost to build each home is approximately $5000 USD. These 20 new homes cannot be completed without financial support. We ask that you consider donating to this cause to help restore hope for the families of Ecuador.

100% of your donation will go directly towards building these homes. We purchase all of the supplies in Ecuador from local stores, to further support the local communities. Any excess funds will go towards medical expenses and paediatric surgeries for families who otherwise cannot afford treatment. No fundraised money whatsoever is allocated towards any administrative fees or wages associated with running the HLD programs.

The trip itself I've paid for from my own pocket; the finances required for the community however, are on a spectrum of their own. With that said, fundraising is necessary to make this community a reality.

**100% of the money fundraised by me/donated by you goes DIRECTLY towards the building of these communities!**
NONE of it is going to me personally; airfare, accommodations, food, etc. I've already paid for myself! Every cent you give goes directly to the cause. The money will be used to purchase sustainable materials for the houses, tools to build them and any of the bare necessities required by the families receiving these homes

Thank you for your time and generosity.  I hope I can make a difference this summer with your support.

Thank you,
Elizabeth Larson

HLD Website: HERE
For more information on last year’s Pujili 2017 project, please visit the past project page: HERE