Working as a team to positively impact and change the lives of others is what the Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC) aims to do every day. Changing lives was certainly on the agenda during the UBC Humanitarian Build in Jamaica. CRC’s Stakeholder Relations and Ontario Chair of the Sisters in the Brotherhood, Rokhaya (Rok) Gueye led a team of volunteers to St. James, Montego Bay, Jamaica for a humanitarian build that saw a family home built in just two days.
Overseen by fellow volunteer Rok – who fundraised an additional $20,000 in donations from the CRC, UBC Locals 27 and 2222, and other outside organizations – the project was completed in collaboration with Food for the Poor Canada. The trip took place between November 13th to 17th of last year, with a group of Canadian and Jamaican contractors working on the build.
The two-bedroom house, built for Beulah and her three children, provides proper amenities like adequate sanitation facilities, and accommodations for her disabled son which their previous home lacked.
After a demanding two days of work, the team declared construction was finished. Local 27 member Helina Phillips had the honour of cutting the ribbon celebrating the completion of the house. Rok says she was thrilled to present Beulah with the house key.
Completing the build was emotional for everyone involved. Rok explained it was a humbling experience that demonstrated the importance of generosity, and it was simultaneously empowering to be part of the life-changing moment for Beulah and her family.
Rok goes on to say that “the outreach efforts by UBC are excellent for building relationships, raising awareness to social issues, and fostering meaningful connections with local communities” in Canada and different parts of the world.
This initiative is only one of many that the Carpenters’ Union has been involved with, including builds in Memphis, Haiti, Jamaica, and cities in Canada. Another humanitarian project is scheduled for the end of 2025 with plans currently in development.
