Mykenzie Toffan, who turns sixteen in May, is travelling to the Dominican Republic this summer on a work holiday program to help build a house for a family in the Dominican Republic. She said all her shots are up to date, so she should only need to take Malaria pills before the trip.
It’s a holiday that, with a lot of hard work thrown in, brings a chance to do some good.
Drumheller teen Mykenzie Toffan is travelling to the Dominican Republic this summer to help build a house for a family in need.
And she already has her sights set on going on other, similar trips.
“I think this will be the first of a few,” she said.
Toffan, who turns sixteen in May, became interested in the work holiday program while listening to a friend from her skating club talk about her experiences.
The friend had gone on several trips with the Ontario based organization Live Different, and sent Toffan the information links on the program.
Live Different describes themselves on their website as “a youth movement challenging ourselves and others to consistent actions of love, hope and change - both large and small”.
Toffan decided she’d like to try the organization’s “Hero Holiday” program, discussed it with her parents, and they gave her the okay, although they are a bit concerned about her age.
Her older brother thinks she’s a bit young to be going out on her own - “Older brother-he’s so protective,” but she says he’s very supportive that she’s working to give back.
And she’ll have her friend from figure skating around for support.
“She’s 19, so she’ll be looking out for me a bit while she’s there.”
Toffan will be keeping busy with school, work and fundraising for her trip over the next few months.
She said she’s thankful that her friends are willing to help out with fundraising and that she’s received some financial support from Cenovus and Western Chevrolet.
Toffan speaks about her motivations for going on a trip such as this:
“I’m hoping to help people don’t have the same kind of life that I get to live. I’m a privileged child and it’s just not fair that not every kid gets offered the same opportunities I am.”
“I think it’s good I’m going on it at such a young age. It’ll definitely change my outlook on things as I grow up, too.”
Toffan will be heading out to the Dominican Republic towards the end of July for the ten day trip.
“It’s a great opportunity to see the world at a young age and help out.”
