"I would just like to thank you for making this trip a possibility. Your leadership was mind-blowing and the organization was impressive to say the least. I have expereienced things I will never forget and it has, as you like to say, "sparked" something inside of me. That spark is because I know I can make a difference, and even better, I want to make a difference. That spark wasn't possible without you. No matter how much you help the Dominican Republic, your greatest service accomplishment has been inspiring young and old people to find out the meaning behind service and get their hands dirty. You really helped whet my appetite and now I'm ready for more."
- student from Havergal College, Toronto

"Judy, a big "thank you" for getting this trip going. What a fantastic opportunity for all. Our daughter was really affected by what she saw and learned, the work you all did and those wonderful children. The trip has made an impact (which sometimes with teenagers you wonder if anything outside their world could impact them!) which I know Christine will take with her going forward as she realizes that individuals can make a difference!! Thanks so much!"
- a parent, August 2005

"All of the Appleby students and staff were positively affected by their experiences, growing through their involvement. The work comprised of an excellent balance of physical construction along with meaningful interactions with locals. The recipients were truly in need and deserving of the attention they received. Adequate attention was also given to down-time and culturally enriching experiences, ensuring that everyone got the most of the two week period they spent in the DR.

The participants were also involved in fund-raising and gathering donations for distribution on the projects, adding to the scope of their experience and increasing the sense of worth they got from it."
- Rob McGuiness, Director of International Programs (Appleby College)

"I spent a lot of time thinking about the difference between social development and charitable aid (ie the difference between teaching a man to fish and giving him fish). The issues involved in developing third world countries are many. It can be very difficult to help another country while respecting it's culture and values. I think this trip made my mind open up to many questions; questions which I don't know the answers to. It is an area which I would like to study further through university courses."

"As a parent,I want to thank you for challenging my son to get out there and find support for the "bricks and mortar" fund of this project. Before he even stepped foot in the Dominican Republic, I felt he had learned some good life lessons. Thank you from the word "go" for this well-organized, well-thought-out project."

"I can't believe how much I've taken for granted all my life."

"We can casually get up in the morning and decide to skip work for a day, but in the DR, if you skip a day of work, you and your family will go hungry."

"It's ironic that such a beautiful island could suffer from such poverty. Even though we spent a lot of our time in some of the most poverty stricken areas I was amazed at the fact that I could still find the natural beauty of the island in just about every place we were. It never ceased to amaze me."

"I learned how lucky I am by the grace of God. I learned to appreciate life much more."

"I learned so much about myself on this trip. I learned that helping others is how I want to spend the rest of my life. I can't convey how wonderful it felt to know I was directly making a contribution to those children's lives. I felt like I had accomplished and learned more than I have in 11 years of schooling. I learned the universal language that I have within me: that of my soul, my smile. I learned that there is so much more beyond life in America, though many would like to think otherwise. I learned how powerful I can be if I use my skills and my education to help others. So many famous quotes, like "We can do no great things; only small things with great love" (Mother Teresa) truly melted a place into my heart. I will never be the same."

"When we give our money and donations at these times, it shows that we have recognized that we have more than we need and can afford some charity. When we give our time and ourselves at these times, it goes that step further and shows that we actually care and wish to make a difference.

I loved being able to talk with someone new while painting and really getting to know each of the children with us and the other students. I love that laughter and smiles are universal--you don't need a dictionary to convey such emotions."

"This experience opened my eyes."

"I will go on remembering the best trip of my life... in 2 words: life changing"

"Power Trips rocks!"