“at the end of their journey the students were standing in the middle of a garbage dump taking off their shoes and handing them over to a Haitian refugees with a broken mismatched pair of flip flops they found while searching through the garbage..”
Jeannine Regnier, the 20 year old nursing student and middle daughter of Estelle and Claude Regnier, has been a member of St. Charles Parish since she was seven years old. While at Silver Heights High School, Jeannine saw a presentation about Hero Holiday and was immediately intrigued by the idea of volunteering overseas with other students.
Hero Holiday is a program run by Absolute Leadership Development, a not-for-profit organization which was founded in 2000 and is a federally incorporated charity. Over the years it has taken hundreds of students to developing nations to engage in humanitarian relief work.
Eva Arsenault spoke to Jeannine about her experience with Hero Holiday.
How long is the trip? For first timers, the trip is 10 days. If you wish to return as a student intern, the trip is extended to a month.
How many Hero Holiday trips have you taken? Currently, I have been on three trips to the Dominican Republic with Hero Holiday. The first year, I had a blast! I learned so much about the corrupted history of Haiti and Dominican Republic which continues to cause distress for the residents of both countries today. It was refreshing to be surrounded by like-minded people from across Canada who wanted to make a difference. I continue to do these volunteer trips because I am simply hooked, I live for these trips!
What projects did you work on while in the Dominican Republic? Every year the projects vary. I have helped build 3 schools, 1 medical clinic, 3 homes, and 1 orphanage. I also participated in much needed renovations to a children’s hospital. Every year Hero Holiday works with an orphanage, where volunteers play with and feed the children and also help clean the facility. My most memorable project is working in a dump. This dump is the workplace of approximately 100 Haitian refugees who sift through trash to collect recyclable items. These workers consist of orphaned children, pregnant young single mothers with several children at home, and the elderly. They live off less than $1/day. Volunteers work alongside these people in order to increase their income for that day. Volunteers also distribute food and clean water. Later, that same day, volunteers go to the town the dump workers live in to see how they live.
Are you permitted to bring small gifts for the children? Hero Holiday encourages all volunteers to bring supplies. Such supplies may be toothbrushes/paste, gently used shoes and clothes, children’s books, school supplies, baby items, and sports equipment (especially baseball and soccer equipment).
Do you fear for your safety when you are this far from home? I can honestly state that I have never once feared for my safety while on my trips. Safety is Hero Holiday’s number one priority. Volunteers stay at a resort which provides 24/7 guarded security. While working on the worksites, there are several qualified staff members who are familiar with the culture, language, and location. Volunteers under the age of 19 are not permitted to leave the resort or worksite without a staff member.
What does it cost for a Hero Holiday to Dominican Republic? The cost of Hero Holiday Dominican Republic is $2385. This includes: food, accommodation, return flight from Toronto, transportation to and from work projects, translators, health insurance, 24/7 staff support, and building supplies. I was responsible for my flight to and from Toronto, immunizations, passport, and food purchased at the airports. Costs for Hero Holiday trips to other countries vary.
Do you raise funds to help with your expenses? I have fundraised most of my trips in the past by organising socials, selling a calendar I created, and by simply asking for donations. Cash donations of $10 or more will receive a tax receipt. Fundraising requires commitment; however, it is worth the time and effort. I paid for 2 trips by fundraising – however, I chose not to fundraise for my last trip due to the large work load I had in University. I worked two jobs in order to pay for my last trip.
How has your Hero Holidayexperience influenced your future career choice? These trips have encouraged me to pursue a career in nursing. As a nurse, I will be able to provide a skill that is vital all around the world. I will be given ample opportunity to continue to volunteer overseas. With only 2 years left of my education, I am convinced that nursing is the ideal career for me.
What do you get out of being involved in the Dominican Republic project? I feel the greatest sense of fulfillment and pride as I am carrying out God’s plan for me. I recently got a letter regarding the school I helped build in a small community in Dominican Republic. The school has been officially recognised by the Dominican government! I was overjoyed to read this because I was there for 3 trips building that school and playing with the students who attended it. Knowing that these children are receiving an education that they would not have had if it wasn’t for Hero Holiday is the greatest reward. I learned not to take for granted the opportunities that a life in Canada provides me and the importance of sharing my experiences with everyone. I have developed unforgettable memories and incredible friendships with other Canadians as well as several families residing in Dominican Republic.
What would you tell another youth considering a Hero Holiday trip? Do it! It will change your life forever. You will be wiser, you will be inspired, you will make change, you will meet friends that will last a life time; you will get to spend 10 days in one of the most amazing countries in the world… what more do you want from a trip? You could go alone and have a great time or you can share the experience with a friend or parent, either way you will have no regrets!
Is there anything else that you would like to add? The last two years, I was asked to be a staff member with the organisation. This meant that I would be leading teams of students. This gave me the opportunity to share my experiences as I guided students on their first volunteer trip and for some their first time out of their home Province. As teams came and went, I noticed a pattern. At the beginning of the trip students would compare their I pods and other fancy gizmos with one another. However, at the end of their journey the students were standing in the middle of a garbage dump taking off their shoes and handing them over to a Haitian refugee with a broken mismatched pair of flip flops they found while searching through the garbage. I was able to see each group of students transform right in front of me and all it took was10 days!
This year I have decided to travel to Brazil during the month of August. I will miss working in Dominican Republic; however I am excited to experience a new country. I am planning on working in an orphanage or with street children while I am there. Donations are always appreciated!
If you want more information on Hero Holiday, visit their website If you wish to help with Jeannine’s travel expenses or to donate small gift items to distribute to the less fortunate in Brazil, please contact her at jeannine_regnier@hotmail.com
On Sunday, April 25th at the 11:30 Mass, 19 young boys and girls made their First Communion at St. Charles Parish. Many thanks to Jackie Carey their Sunday School teacher and Bo Hancox the coordinator for the Sunday School Program.
