DAY 1 | Saturday: Arrive in Mexico City
Your adventure begins today as you arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City! Volunteers will make their way to the hotel, where they will meet their Global Village teammates and have time to settle in. In the evening, enjoy a welcome gathering with the rest of the Canadian volunteers, share your excitement for the week ahead, and rest up for the journey to Tlaxcala.

DAY 2 | Sunday: Travel to Tlaxcala & Program Orientation
After lunch, you will meet with the Habitat Mexico team, who will accompany us on the drive to Tlaxcala. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offering a scenic introduction to the region.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel, where you will meet your volunteer officer and receive a brief introduction to the exciting week ahead.

DAY 3 | Monday: Introduction to Habitat Mexico & Cultural Immersion
After breakfast, the Habitat Mexico team will lead an orientation session to provide an overview of Mexico’s housing challenges and Habitat’s mission in the region. You will gain insight into the housing crisis in Tlaxcala, the Lekli Na' initiative, and the goals of this build.

Later in the morning, you’ll explore the murals at the Government Palace and a historic church, learning about Tlaxcala’s rich culture and heritage. After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in downtown Tlaxcala, enjoy some free time to relax or explore.

In the evening, the team will meet with Jhira Construction, Habitat Mexico’s local partner, to discuss the build process and activities for the upcoming construction days. The day concludes with dinner and a reflection session at the hotel.

DAY 4-6 | Tuesday – Thursday: Construction Days
Each morning after breakfast, the group will travel 30–45 minutes to the build site. Upon arrival, the Habitat construction team will distribute safety equipment and provide an orientation on the construction tasks for the day.

You will work closely with the partner family and local construction workers, engaging in activities such as laying bricks, mixing mortar, reinforcing structures, and assembling key components of the home. Each evening, the group will come together to share insights and reflections on the day’s experiences.

DAY 7 | Friday: Social Learning Exchange & Farewell Celebration
The final day in the community is a meaningful and emotional experience. After breakfast, the team will travel to Huamantla, where you will take part in a social learning exchange featuring Huamantla’s famous Magic Rugs and learn about local traditions.

Later in the day, you’ll attend a farewell celebration with the partner family, local community members, and Habitat staff. Enjoy a traditional Mexican meal while reflecting on the impact of the build and celebrating the home’s completion.

The afternoon allows for free time before a farewell dinner, where you can share stories, celebrate achievements, and enjoy your final evening together as a team.

DAY 8 | Saturday: Departure Day
After breakfast, the team will depart for Mexico City, with a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to the airport for flights home or onward travel. Though the build has come to an end, the connections, memories, and impact will last a lifetime.

Itinerary subject to change.

Volunteers play a vital role in building safe, sustainable homes and improving living conditions for families in need.

As a Global Village volunteer, you will work alongside local construction teams, Habitat staff, and the partner family to construct resilient housing using sustainable and locally adapted building techniques. No prior construction experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn, work hard, and make a lasting impact!

Typical Volunteer Tasks:

• Ground Preparation: Digging, leveling, and compacting the earth to prepare a solid foundation.
• Concrete Work: Mixing and pouring mortar and concrete for home construction.
• Laying Bricks: Stacking and securing concrete blocks to form walls.
• Reinforcement Work: Cutting, tying, and placing rebar for structural integrity.
• Installing Roof and Walls: Assisting with paneling, bracing, and securing structural components.
• Plastering & Finishing Touches: Applying finishing layers of concrete or plaster to walls.
• Painting & Beautification: Adding final touches to the home, helping with painting and basic landscaping.

Through peer-to-peer fundraising, Global Village volunteers contribute a program and build donation that will advance Habitat’s work in communities with the greatest housing needs. Build donations cover volunteer accommodations, meals and ground transportation. Crucially, the program donations also directly support Habitat’s housing programs in the countries.

Once you register for a this Global Village build, you commit to fundraising:

$3420 minimum fundraising target

What's Included

• Double Occupancy Accommodation
• All meals for the week
• Daily transportation to and from site
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Snacks and water
• All necessary building materials and safety equipment
• 24-hour support
• Insurance whilst on the build site

*What's Not Included

• Flights to and from Mexico
• Travel Insurance
• Visa
• Vaccinations

Meet your team leaders: Laura Gibson and Sarah Bramley!

Hello all! I'm Laura Gibson.

Global Village is back…cannot wait to get back to building:)

My partner and I have been volunteering on Habitat for Humanity Global Village builds since 2011. This will be my 21st build and 19th time leading a team.

I have led teams to Honduras, Bolivia, India, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago; and now Mexico!

My partner and I have lived in beautiful Vancouver for about 25 yrs (both from Toronto) and have 2 dogs. I have worked with as a District Manager with Vancouver Farmers Market for 13 yrs and have been a graphic artist forever.

Let’s get digging!:)

Hi, I'm Sarah Bramley, and I’m lucky enough to call stunning Vancouver Island home. I’m a self-employed professional with a focus on marketing and the non-profit sector. When I’m not working, you’ll often find me outdoors hiking with my dog, Baz, and my partner, JP. I also love paddle boarding, practicing yoga, volunteering in my community, cooking up something delicious, or getting lost in a great book.

I’m thrilled to be Co-Leading the upcoming Habitat Build to Mexico this June! My journey with Habitat for Humanity has been both fulfilling and eye-opening. I’ve worked with a local affiliate here on Vancouver Island, participated in a Habitat build on Kauai, and had the privilege of leading three teams to Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Fiji.

I’m excited about the chance to make an international impact, immerse myself in new cultures, and work alongside passionate, like-minded individuals. Let’s make a difference—while having a lot of fun along the way!

Global Village Frequently Asked Questions