DR July Public Build 2026

Ages: 14+   •  Location: Dominican Republic   •   Length: 8 Days
$2895.00 + Self Managed Airfare  •   Service Hours: 40
Meeting Point: Puerto Plata

When you join us on a Build in the Dominican Republic, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture while leaving a lasting impact in the lives of families and communities that need it most.

You'll work hard alongside volunteers, ground staff, translators, local contractors, and a deserving family so that you can all celebrate together and welcome them into their safe, new home. During the 9 days, lives are changed and connections are made that can last a lifetime.

The work itself is the reason we come together, but we'll also be introducing you to all the communities we work in, bring you to our favourite Caribbean restaurant called Mama Maria's, and give you a chance to see why it's called paradise (think of palm trees and views overlooking the ocean).

Over the years, volunteers like you have joined us to construct homes, schools, community centres, and other projects for communities along the north coast of the island. No previous experience is necessary for a Build, only a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for your interest in this life-changing experience. Please read through the following information and feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions.


Minimum Fundraising Requirements:

$2,995 - This is the amount each volunteer has been asked to fundraise/contribute in order to join us on this LiveDifferent Build. There is an initial $300 due within two weeks of registering to secure your spot on the Build trip.


IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

  • $300 Deposit - within 2 weeks of registration
  • Flight Itinerary - 12 weeks pre-departure
  • 50% Fundraising - 12 weeks pre-departure
  • Final Fundraising Goal Due - 8 weeks pre-departure
  • All supporting documents (CRC, Consent Package, Travel Insurance) - 6 weeks pre-departure


What Is Included
  • ​Airport shuttles to and from the resort on the day your Build starts and the day your Build ends​ 
  • Meals and accommodations at Sosua By The Sea Resort (www.sosuabythesea.com​)
  • Materials, local labour required for your Build project(s)
  • Transportation to and from resort and project sites each day
  • Construction foreman
  • Translators
  • Group hosting and facilitation
  • Evening debriefings and activities
  • LiveDifferent staff on-site and available 24/7
  • Family Visit Experience
  • Furniture and groceries for the family's new home


What Is Not Included
  • Flights to and from Puerto Plata (POP), Dominican Republic
  • Any immunizations or testing required for travel (please consult your family physician or local travel clinic)
  • ​Airport shuttles to and from ​the resort if arriving before the Build starts or leaving after the Build ends 
  • Emergency Travel Medical Insurance
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
  • Private room at the resort - Extra $30/night CAD
  • Recommended resort staff and translator tip: $40 USD
  • Team Dinner Out in DR
  • Excursion Day Activity in DR
  • Personal spending money (for items such as snacks/souvenirs)

Please Note: LiveDifferent is not responsible for flight delays or cancellations.

Day 1

Fly into Puerto Plata Airport (POP), Dominican Republic. You will be heading to Sosua by the Sea to settle in and taking off from there to some of our communities for an awareness tour. After supper we will have our orientation and first debriefing.


Day 2

Awareness Day! Visit the communities that LiveDifferent partners with, meet our fearless community leaders and taste some of the islands most delicious food at 'Mama Maria's Kitchen"


Days 3 - 6

Project Days. Together with the family, you and your team will be a part of making a dream a reality. Through this experience, you will develop friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.


Day 7

Time to celebrate!

Spend the morning preparing for the afternoon house celebration. Imagine witnessing as a family enters their new home that you helped to build. A home filled with hope, security, and a brighter future for this family! This moment will be etched in your memory for many years to come.

Excursion Day

Live Different also recognizes that you may want to take advantage the beauty and excitement of your host country! Each team member will be afforded some time off for relaxation and/or adventure. We want you to experience some of the natural beauty and adventure that the Dominican Republic has to offer.

Preparation for your journey home

Your Live Different Build is going to be one of the most intense and life-changing experiences you will ever have. Because we believe that this is just the beginning of something for you, we want to help prepare you to return home and integrate this experience and the lessons learned. On this day we will have a final debriefing that will help you to take this experience and help others understand how we can continue to make a difference in our local and global communities.


Day 8

Volunteers fly home!

While volunteering in the Dominican Republic you will be staying at Sosua By The Sea. This cozy boutique style resort sits on the corner of Sosua Bay, and is surrounded by beaches. As an all-inclusive resort, meals are covered when eating at the hotel. Most rooms have two double beds, and private rooms are available at an extra charge (not eligible for tax receipts).

Most volunteers choose to fundraise using their my.livedifferent.com fundraising page. When you register for a Build, you will have the opportunity to create one too. Not everyone fundraises though, some choose to pay for their Build themselves.
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Dates

Jul 7, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026

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Questions?

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    Danielle Endall


    (866) 432 4464