Imagine spending a week working alongside a rural family as the walls of their first safe home take shape. From February 1 to 8, 2027, Rotary Club of Toronto members have the opportunity to do exactly that through the El Salvador Sweat Equity Project in San Salvador. This is a hands-on service experience in which volunteers work beside families, local Rotary partners and skilled workers to build durable prefabricated concrete homes for people living without secure shelter or basic sanitation.
A home is more than four walls. It can provide a family with safety, dignity and a stable base from which to pursue education, work and opportunity. Each project home includes space for essentials such as a kitchen, shower and washroom. Local Rotary partners select recipient families, coordinate materials and on-site logistics, and work with communities whose members participate in the construction. The result is not charity delivered at a distance, but a partnership built on shared effort, local ownership and respect.
For volunteers, the experience is equally meaningful. Past participants have returned to Toronto more hopeful, informed and motivated to continue serving—through local volunteering, fundraising, advocacy and sharing the stories of the people they met. The 2027 trip is an opportunity to contribute practical skills, energy and compassion while building connections that extend well beyond one week.
The participant contribution is CAD $3,990 per person, supporting trip participation and the home-building project, including local materials and on-site coordination. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for the eligible portion of the contribution. Members interested in joining the team, supporting the project or learning more should contact Jay Llave at jay.llave@rotarytoronto.com
