Heather Latter
Volunteering for “Habitat for Humanity” was always something Bernie Schulzki wanted to do.
And upon officially retiring as a Fort Frances High School teacher on Jan. 24, he was on a plane the very next day to take part in the organization’s “Global Village” program in New Zealand for two weeks.
“I really wanted to hit the ground running,” explained the Emo resident, noting he had looked online for options since “Habitat for Humanity” didn’t have any projects going on nearby.
“This one was the one that caught my eye for a couple reasons—one just to do something totally different like to fly right across the world basically,” Schulzki said, adding the second reason was the timing worked well.
Schulzki noted he also was accepted to go to Costa Rica, but that trip didn’t leave until the middle of February.
When he arrived in New Zealand, the 14-member team got started building a 900 sq. ft. house in Manukau City.
“All that was there was posts coming out of the ground,” he recalled.
“They had done that a while ago so the lot was full of weeds, so we cut all that down.”
He said even though New Zealand is a developed country, people there still have significant needs because many can’t afford housing.
“It’s the same story in Winnipeg or anywhere,” Schulzki remarked. “You’d say Winnipeg is doing all right, but there are poor people there who can’t afford a house.
“And if they can’t afford a house and raise their kids properly, trouble starts.
“The building of a home starts with a house,” he stressed.
Schulzki’s team was building for a family where the wife was working but the husband was not. However, he said the house was not totally free for the family.
“Homeowners pay what they can over a long mortgage period and they put in ‘sweat equity,’ as well,” he explained.
Being the woodworking/construction teacher at Fort High for 24 years, Schulzki had plenty of experience building. But he stressed it’s not a requirement when it comes to signing up to volunteer for the organization.
“You don’t need any experience,” he said. “You need to be flexible, take orders, and just roll with it.”
He noted they did have qualified carpenters on site.
“There were young people there who didn’t know how to swing a hammer,” he recalled. “But as long as you have a willingness to go there, give a hand, and be adaptable.”
Schulzki said his team did very well working together. After 10 days, the house was ready to have its roof put on.
“I was happy with the progress we made,” he enthused. “And you’re providing hope.”
All the volunteers paid for the airfare to travel there, made a large donation to “Habitat for Humanity,” paid for their accommodations while there, and offered free labour.
“That’s a pretty strong message to fellow humans,” Schulzki reasoned. “We’re putting our money where our mouth is. And that’s really important to provide support and hope for other people.
“It was an excellent experience.”
And while Schulzki said he wasn’t staying at a five-star resort, he wasn’t staying in terrible conditions, either.
“It’s what they call an ‘active holiday’ and it really was,” he remarked, adding he got to know the people he worked with, as well as to see a lot of culture that he wouldn’t have if he stayed at a resort.
“That was a real bonus,” he enthused. “I wanted to go there to help and work, but the bonus was to work beside the people and really get to know them.
“I got a really nice experience.”
Schulzki added the members of the team had their weekends free and did take in some of the culture, such as viewing mudpots, geysers, and volcanoes, as well as sheep herding.
“You’re working during the week, but it is a holiday in a sense,” he noted.
Schulzki said “Habitat for Humanity” in New Zealand also helps families continue to maintain their homes after the house is built.
“They also help families if the get into financial trouble,” he said, citing one instance where the organization intervened when a couple began gambling and got them the help they needed to overcome the addiction.
“And that’s pretty cool,” he remarked, noting he’s not sure if it’s the same in Canada but believes we can learn from that.
Schulzki would encourage anybody to volunteer for “Habitat for Humanity.”
“It’s an excellent way to learn about the country and the people that live there,” he explained.
“It’s a real positive thing.”
And while he paid for everything himself, he indicated it is tax deductible, within limits.
“Plus, it’s a really worthwhile experience,” he added, noting he certainly plans to take part in “Habitat for Humanity” work again.
Schulzki will work for the organization in Winnipeg this summer and is thinking about heading to Ethiopia in November.
