Ontario Construction News staff writer
A new documentary released by the charity Builders for Change is shining a light on the legacy of Melissa Bazely, a Barrie native whose passion for humanitarian work inspired hundreds of Ontario home builders to help improve lives in the Dominican Republic.
The nine-minute film, available now through the charity’s website and social media channels, traces the origin and impact of Builders for Change (BFC), a Canadian-registered charity founded following Bazely’s first large-scale humanitarian project in 2011. It also introduces viewers to Shannel, a Dominican student currently receiving support from the organization to pursue post-secondary education.
Bazely was just 15 when she first felt called to humanitarian work. By her early 20s, she had organized a home-building mission in one of the DR’s most impoverished regions, rallying 189 Ontario builders and volunteers through the Ontario Home Builders’ Association. That effort sparked the creation of BFC, which has since led four humanitarian trips to the DR, built homes, and partnered in the construction of a youth development centre with Dove Missions.
Bazely’s work extended beyond the Dominican Republic to projects in Haiti, Mexico, and Africa. She also sponsored a young Dominican student to study in Canada — a journey that ended with the student’s successful graduation.
In 2021, Bazely passed away from cancer at just 32. Her family, friends and supporters have since carried forward her mission through Builders for Change, with a renewed focus on education — a cause she believed was critical to breaking the cycle of poverty.
“We want to use this documentary to showcase Builders for Change and as a jumping-off point for raising funds so that we can continue sponsoring deserving students like Shannel,” said Matt Bazely, Melissa’s brother and chair of the charity. “They simply would not have the opportunity without the generous support of our donors.”
“Melissa was an exceptional person. She accomplished more in her short life than most do in a lifetime,” he added. “She believed in the quote by Mahatma Gandhi: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’”
To watch the documentary or learn more about the charity’s work, visit www.buildersforchange.com. Donations can be made by emailing do****@***************ge.com. The organization is also active on social media @buildersforchangemel.
