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TRIP CMB0226.KDb

Cambodia February 2026 – 1 week Poverty Eradication. Social Justice. Global Engagement.

C$2,850Trip and flight costs qualify for a tax receipt in US and Canada
Feb 14, 2026 Feb 21, 2026 Siem Reap, Cambodia Adult & Family Trip Raise the Roof

Building houses families can call their home

Millions of families in developing countries face a severe housing problem. A lack of shelter is a manifestation of widespread poverty. People live in homes that are built of flimsy materials, lack adequate sanitation, have an irregular or no electricity supply.
To help mitigate housing issues, DWC’s RAISE THE ROOF program provides adequate shelter and improves the conditions in which families live through sustainable construction projects. Essential services are addressed, such as safe drinking water, improved sanitation, space for food gardens and other means by which people can increase their capacity to generate income.
A liveable home can have a tremendous impact on a family’s well-being and their ability to break the cycle of poverty.  In addition to health improvements, ownership of decent housing increases a family’s personal safety, security, and performance in school and at work. Secure housing improves a whole community.

MAKE AN IMPACT
In Cambodia
  • Two-thirds of the households in Cambodia experience seasonal food shortages every year. This is one example of a consequence of living in a rural area that depends on living off the land. Food supply can change with the seasons, leaving it as an unreliable source of sustenance.
  • 12.3 million people, or around 70 percent of the population in Cambodia, do not have access to a piped water supply.

What to ExpectA Typical Workday in Cambodia

Families on Tonle Sap eke out a living by working in the fields during harvest and planting seasons and fishing in the non-growing seasons. Many families live in makeshift shelters along the river bank that are affected by the rising and falling of the river during rainy season.  Our teams work in partnership with our in-country partner Bridge of Life School to build homes that can float or sit on the riverbank depending on the season.

Your group will be led by a trained DWC team leader and will be working with a local site supervisor, translator and laborers to complete this project. The worksite will have various types of task to support all skill and strength levels of your team. In general, expect to work 6-8 hours per day. No building experience is necessary, but a desire to connect with the locals and pitch in as you can is one of the best parts of DWC projects.

This trip includes all accommodations, airport pickup/drop off,  in-country transportation and 3 meals a day for the duration of the trip dates.

DWC volunteers work alongside people who have grown up in the region, contribute to the local community, and see a side of Cambodia that most never see.

 

 

Visit the Temple of Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. The town itself offers a blend of rich history, vibrant markets, and welcoming local culture. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Angkor, including the stunning Bayon Temple with its smiling stone faces, and the tree-clad Ta Prohm. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap boasts lively night markets, delicious Khmer cuisine, and boat tours on Tonle Sap Lake, making it a perfect destination for both history lovers and adventure seekers.

Trip Details

Itinerary

Saturday, February 14  and February 15 Team arrives at Siem Reap and explores the city

Monday, February 16 – to Friday, February 20– PROJECT WORK

Saturday, February 21- transport to airport to return home or continue to travel in Cambodia

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?
The cost of this trip is displayed at the top of the page. This cost includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs, and a donation to our host partner in their respective country. It does not include airfare and you are responsible for booking your own flights. The entire trip is 100% tax deductible. A $1000 non refundable deposit is due once the trip is confirmed which is then credited towards your trip cost. Your trip cost is due in its entirety 45 days prior to departure. Select trips may be subject to additional cultural activity fees. As of 2025 airfare will no longer qualify for a tax deductible receipt on our open trips. US volunteers may be subject to administrative fees/exchange rate adjustments.

Are accommodations included and what are they like?
DWC books your accommodations for you, and it is included in your Trip Cost! Your team will stay at a local hotel that is comfortable and clean. Rooms are booked as shared double occupancy. You may upgrade to a private room for an additional cost, where possible. We will do our best to accommodate adjustments.

Are meals provided and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
All meals are included in your trip cost. Some meals will be at the hotel, while others at local restaurants. The food is prepared hygienically, and dishes range from local to standard western fare. Volunteers submit a health form to DWC and all requests for dietary restrictions will be provided to the Team Leader, hotel, and host partner, to be accommodated wherever possible. Your Trip Cost does not include tips, alcohol, or snacks.

Can I add personal travel onto this trip?
Absolutely! We want you to have the best travel experience possible. If you choose to add personal travel onto the front or back end of your trip, you are welcome to book your own accommodation and transportation arrangements for early arrivals or late departures, however you are required to arrive in time to fully participate in the volunteer experience with your team. Personal travel would not be covered in your tax-deductible receipt.

Can my family come on the trip with me?
The trip cost listed is a per person rate. Family members can participate in the trip as part of the volunteer team by paying a separate trip cost. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?
Children under 12 are unable to participate in our program due to the nature of the volunteer work involved. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

Do I need construction experience and how much will we work?
You don’t need special skills or training to be able to help. We hire local skilled labourers who will give training onsite for construction and team leaders. You will work at your own pace, within your own comfort level, five days a week from about 8AM to 4PM. Your evenings and weekends are free for cultural activities and relaxing.

What is the work site like and what is the intensity of the labour?
There is a building manager and translator on site. Tasks on the work site vary and you will only be asked to do what you are comfortable with and within your physical abilities. There is no pressure!

Why should I volunteer?
Support sustainable change with us. Learn about the world and yourself, lend a hand and build hope. Every bit of time spent on a DWC project is helping a person, a family, or a community. You’ll know that your contribution will make someone’s life better. DWC matches teams of volunteers and resources with people and organizations in developing nations to alleviate poverty and inspire hope and your efforts do have impact. The experience is enhanced by working as a team. Simply put, there is joy and self-discovery that comes with giving to others. And you’ll have fun doing it, too.

Are DWC trips religious or political in nature?
DWC has no religious or political affiliations.

Meet the Trip Leader

Each trip is coordinated by DWC with the help of a Team Leader, who has travelled with DWC previously, is First Aid Certified, and has completed a Criminal Record Check. Your Team Leader will liaise with DWC and ensure all your questions are answered. Your Team Leader will handle all team finances through the trip and travel with you to ensure the best possible travel and volunteer experience for their team! They also facilitate fun, cultural experiences where possible, ensuring group cohesion. See your Team Leader Biography here:

Kathleen Simard Kathleen D'Sylva in Philippines

Kathleen D'Sylva and Kathleen Simard

Kathleen D’Sylva

Kathleen recently retired from her job after 30+ years in IT. It was through this work, that she was introduced to  DWC and Kathleen Simard!  Kathleen has participated in DWC trips to Railmagra, India in 2017 and then Cebu, Philippines in 2019, Costa Rica in 2023 and Sri Lanka 2025. Kathleen currently lives in Burlington, ON with her husband David, 2 of her 3 sons, and their basset hound, Harley.  She enjoys hiking and cycling, really, anything outdoors and is working towards her level 1 Sommelier, Intermediate Wine Certification

Kathleen Simard

Kathleen, originally from Atlanta, lives outside of Philadelphia with her Cana dian husband, 2 daughters and a son.  She loves adventure and has never met a stranger, making friends wherever she goes.  She met her co-leader, Kathleen, on her first DWC trip to India in 2016.  It was a life changing experience and one she is thrilled to do again in Cambodia!  Kathleen is semi retired from technology sales making more time for her personal passions including Family, friends, travel, cycling, yoga, snow-boading, live music and acting!  Her mantra: “Write down your dreams and follow them because the universe is listening. There is no limit to what you can achieve in this life!”

Travel Light Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon offsets are used to compensate for the greenhouse gasses that we create through certain activities, such as flying. For every tonne of carbon released into the atmosphere, an ‘offset’ is a carefully designed project that absorbs or stores the equivalent CO2 emissions. You can choose to offset your own flight, your whole family’s, or do this as a gift for a friend.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Joy

Volunteer Program Manager

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