Teen volunteer making a difference in the Viatorian Foundation of Belize
07/27/11

Saint Viator High School graduate Matt Letke of Arlington Heights got his money’s worth when he traveled to Belize for a three week-volunteer experience this summer.
Members of the Viatorians put his brawn to work --- honed by four years of playing football and lacrosse --- when they enlisted Matt to help build the footings for a room addition for a local resident.

He worked along side of Viatorian Associate Rafael Cobb in undertaking the construction for a local woman and her six children living in a one-room home. The process involved mixing cement and carrying it to the work site in buckets, before pouring the foundation.
In his spare time, Matt has helped sort and distribute clothing and other materials for the poor --- all this in his first week.

“I wanted to widen my circle of awareness,” Matt says. “My ethics class at Saint Viator taught me that so much more meaning can come out of life, if you’re willing to wander off the path a little.”

Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, first introduced Matt to the Viatorians’ work in Belize. He formerly led the social studies department at Saint Viator High School, before leaving in July to return to St. Francis Xavier Church in Corozal Town, Belize.

“As a pastor, I am extremely happy to have Matt here,” Fr. Hall says. “But having had Matt as a former student, I know that this experience will change his views of the world.”