about us
In March 2007, I was fortunate enough to meet Elio Madonia, a “saint”, who spends 90% of his time helping the destitute and homeless, and fighting poverty with his tireless faith. Well-known in the Italian-Canadian community in Toronto for years as a successful entrepreneur and businessman, Elio could live out a comfortable and easy retirement with his wife, Lena. Instead, this quiet and humble man has spent the last 22 years building homes and helping those in great need in the Dominican Republic.
I was on vacation on the island with 350 business associates when, as a group, we decided we should reach out in some way to help the local community before we left. We met Elio Madonia and he led 20 of us on a life-changing tour of the region.
I was on vacation on the island with 350 business associates when, as a group, we decided we should reach out in some way to help the local community before we left. We met Elio Madonia and he led 20 of us on a life-changing tour of the region.
The first stop was to see the existing conditions for many of the poor. We quailed at make-shift shacks pieced together with scraps of wood and tin. Our second stop was one of the six villages that Elio’s Foundation had built, with a school, a medical clinic and a church. Next we were shown a vacant plot of land that Elio hoped one day to buy. Standing there, our group decided to join hands and pray. Two of our business partners were so moved by all they had seen that they committed the necessary funds to buy the land. I pondered all I had seen that day, and promised that one day I would bring others to help build that new village – perhaps.
Little did I know that this dream would take root in my heart and not let go. When Elio and Lena returned to Canada at Christmas, I asked if I could bring some folks down in early May. I had no idea how many would join me, but I committed to spreading the word of his work, inviting others to join me, and raising funds for the building materials. Elio agreed and a date was set. The group left Toronto on April 30, 2009 — strangers on a mission from all across Canada, ranging in age from 16 to 65 years.
The week went fast for the “Dirty Thirty”, so dubbed by the hotel staff. We came home invigorated, now a team, no longer strangers. Each of us knew our hearts were changed forever.
Evelyn Roberts, Toronto, ON
The week went fast for the “Dirty Thirty”, so dubbed by the hotel staff. We came home invigorated, now a team, no longer strangers. Each of us knew our hearts were changed forever.
Evelyn Roberts, Toronto, ON
