If you’re looking to take your sense of social responsibility and your need to contribute to the lives of others to the next level, and you want to push your limits and grow as a person, then we’ve found the perfect match for you! Live Different is a Canadian charity that is all about seeing change, building hope, and embracing a lifestyle filled with care, kindness and compassion.
Live Different (formerly ABSOLUTE) was co-founded in 2000 by Christal and Vaden Earle, a dynamic duo determined to create positive change in the lives they touched. Based out of Hamilton, Ontario, Live Different believes that change is possible starting with the choices we make, and that everyday: we need to pour into at least one social cause we’re passionate about, show kindness toward others, and strive to live simply, because our choices impact our global community.
Live Different impacts millions of lives through their international humanitarian building projects, their in-school youth empowerment presentations, and their leadership development academy. Over the past 18 years they have spoken to over 1.5 million students across Canada, have built more than 500 homes and schools combined, and mentored more than 4,500 students. They’ve grown over the years, but one thing has never changed: their commitment to inspire those around them with value, purpose, and responsibility.
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN BUILDING PROJECTS
Live Different Builds give volunteers from across Canada the opportunity to make a difference in the developing world as they build houses, schools, and complete other much needed projects. They partner with local organizations on the ground in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Thailand, where they work with community leaders to help ensure their programs are effective and sustainable in the host communities. As a volunteer the program allows you to see first-hand how two-thirds of the world lives, it expands your worldview, and gives you the opportunity to consider how you can build hope and make change in your own life.
Photo credit: Aidan Chin
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
The Academy is for individuals looking for an experience unlike anything else. Through 13 weeks of being fully immersed in beautiful Mexican culture, you’ll learn a ton about the lives of others and even more about yourself in the process. Surrounded by like-minded people, you’ll be challenged and supported as you grow and take part in new experiences.
And when you leave, you and the lives of local families and communities will never be the same. Brittany, a former Academy student says, “It made me realize that I have potential beyond measure, and my personal story is the most powerful tool I will ever possess.”
The residence is nestled in rural Mexico and is where you’ll experience family-style living—with shared meals, games, and internet. You’re just a short walk away from a local store for snacks and close to public transportation, giving you easy access to local coffee shops and markets. Unlike a tourist-filled vacation spot, you’ll be introduced to (and become part of) the community. Each week, you’ll spend time with local families and sharing meals together which helps deepen your understanding (and your Spanish). It’s home away from home!
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PRESENTATIONS
Live Different’s in-school motivational presentations have emerged as one of Canada’s most popular and trusted youth empowerment presentations. Going beyond motivation, Live Different offers a live, concert-style, school-wide motivational assembly, with various supplemental resources, keynote speakers, and other youth programs that inspire students to make a positive difference in their world. Live Different has taken significant measures to ensure their presentations are accessible to all schools through a donation-based pricing model. The program also includes their Road Team Internships, which are exciting, interactive opportunities to gain experience working with a non-profit, and to make a difference in the lives of young people all across Canada.
Live Different truly believes that by working together we can have a big impact. That’s why they are challenging the status quo and calling on everyone to choose to LIVE DIFFERENT!
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