TRIP AT A GLANCE
Welcome to SJMF! This may be your first time going on the trip or you may be an SJMF veteran returning for a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th time! Regardless, here’s a little overview of what to expect when you embark on your SJMF journey:
​
The timing of a group trip can be flexible to attend to the preferences of the group. Typically, trips occur in the spring/early summer or late summer/early fall and will last approximately 1-2 weeks. Upon arrival, the group will spend 1-2 nights in the city of Ocoa before heading into mountainside communities outside of the city where those with the most in need reside. This introductory period gives participants enough time to relax and get to know the Dominican culture. Groups will be brought up to their designated mountain community and remain there for a specific period of time (depending on the total trip duration) and will focus on the construction of their assigned home! In the mountains, volunteers will primarily be working, however, an SJMF trip is never complete without dancing, playing games and spending quality time with the locals.
​
Each group will return to the city for the weekend and be able to have time to explore and see what the Dominican Republic has to offer. This may include a day trip to a nearby beach, a trip to the local pool and waterfall, or playing dominos/cards with the locals.
​
Every trip is different and while itineraries may vary slightly, group leaders are focused on providing an authentic and enjoyable experience. During your time with SJMF, not only will you build a home for a family in need and change the lives of local communities, but we also place a large emphasis on enjoying our time, getting to know the community while both working hard and celebrating our experience together.
​
Trip Overview
Day 1
Fly into Dominican republic, where an SJMF team member will pick you up in a bus with refreshments ! You then begin you journey to San Jose to Ocoa. You will spend your first night in the SJMF owned accommodation space
Day 2
Transport to your assigned location up in the mountains, where you can really disconnect and live in the moment ! You will begin working on the house on this day
Day 3-7
Build, build and build !! You will spend this time working on the house, building new relationships and dancing the nights away!
Day 8-9
Make your way back to the city and enjoy your last few days relaxing and going on excursions of your choice. This can be going to the beach, local pool resort or playing sports! The world is your oyster
Day 10
Normally on your last day, you would be saying goodbye to your new Dominican friends. But here at SJMF, you never say goodbye, it's always a "See You Later" because you'll immediately want to come back. You will head back to the airport and make your way home and planning your next trip
What You Pay:
Flight
Will vary depending on several factors such as time of year, airline and destination airport
Cost: $500 - $800 CAD
Accommodation
Includes food for entire stay, sleeping arrangements, transportation to and from airport and within Ocoa etc
Cost: $300-500 CAD
Spending Money
Covers a 10 day trip to pay for experiences (beach, day trip to resort etc.), beverages, food and more!
Cost: $300 CAD
What You Fundraise:
It costs $7,000 CAD to build 1 house - we pride ourselves on ensuring all fundraised money is going into the right spots.
$5,250 CAD
Building Supplies
Cement, Bricks, Sand, Support Beams, Wood, Roofing tin
$1,750 CAD
Experienced On-Site Foreman
GET STARTED WITH SJMF
We typically send 3-5 groups per year and have groups of all ages and from multiple areas in Ontario participate.
You can get involved with SJMF in many ways from fundraising locally to joining or leading a group on a trip.
We have University Chapters at Laurier Waterloo and Laurier Brantford and are currently looking to expand into additional universities across the province. For more information, contact our Executive Team at info@sjmf.ca
SJMF YOUTH
We are lucky to have an SJMF Youth Chapter that brings together local high school students in an effort to fundraise for the construction of an SJMF house!
SJMF offers high school students the chance to get involved with an organization that offers mentorship and experience in leadership and fundraising.
​
Past members have gone on to continue their involvement with SJMF while at university and our current group is planning for their May 2020 trip.
If you would like to get involved or know someone who would be interested in donating today, our team can be reached at: sjmfyouth@sjmf.ca!
Testimonials
"I didn't realize that just doing something small for others would have such an impact not only on my life but as well as theirs. The best part of SJMF is without a doubt the happiness you create for the families that you build the homes for, and creating relationships for a lifetime."
"I've been on multiple SJMF trips and they're some of the best travel memories that I have ever made. The preparation for the trip and the sense of community and togetherness in fundraising brought me some fantastic memories and experiences. The trip itself is so fun and brings you an authentic, unique experience that brings you so close to everyone you go with. "
"The combination of building & enjoying ourselves makes every day really enjoyable and you feel you've 'earned' your relaxing times. I felt very safe on all of my trips with SJMF and each one was unique, with new adventures on each trip!"