‘Dose of manpower’

ANAHOLA — Lauren Stewart of Toronto, Canada, said they were on hand Wednesday to help Kauai Habitat for Humanity homeowners Vern Kauanui and Don Baker.

“Working with these homeowners is very exciting,” said Stewart, a member of the Habitat for Humanity Global Village volunteers. “They are energetic and fun. This is a wonderful experience and we’re just here to offer a dose of manpower to get their home completed.”

Susanne Dittmer, Global Village site leader from Nova Scotia, Canada, said the group of 11 Canadians and one American arrived on Kauai on Dec. 29 and have been involved in a variety of projects to get the Kauai Habitat for Humanity going for the new year. 

Among those, the group worked at the ReStore in Hanapepe, painting and erecting walls and working in the parking lot.

They also did brush cutting and put up the security fence and gates at the Eleele Iluna, Phase II project before finishing their tour at the Anahola homesite, where they cleared debris generated by the recent strong winds, which shredded the project’s windscreens and created chaos in the lot’s garden.

Diem Dinh, of Edmonton, Canada, said this was her first Global Village build.

“I’ve done a lot of volunteering with the Habitat at home,” Dinh said. “But this is the very first time I’m traveling. It’s very exciting. It’s different and unique in getting to meet new people, learning of the different, diverse cultures, and how a person can give a hand anywhere in the world.”

Baker said the volunteers were wonderful.

“Santa was very good to us,” Baker said, adding that there was a sense of urgency to complete the home because they have to vacate their present living quarters by the end of the month. “Our cabinets arrived on Christmas Eve, Vern got a new lawn mower for Christmas, and it is a nice way to end a very exciting year.”

Call 335-0296 to coordinate a volunteer spot.