"Belize" You Can Make a Difference

The group stands proudly in front of one of the near completed homes

They knew they could make a difference.  And they helped other people believe it too.

Flattening the foundation

Once the foundation has been laid a bladder is inflated that will help form the shape of the dome

Scott Warner, Divisional Vice President for Pinnacle Security, was approached by a few of his managers in late 2010.  ”We want to do something to give back” they said.  They shared their ideas and captured Scott’s attention.

“I knew they were on to something good” Warner recalls. “As I heard their idea, it wasn’t just the concept, but the amount of passion they had for the project.  I knew we all had to get involved.”  He rallied his team together in an effort they called “Domes for Belize.”

Scott and Trey Warner help place cement the exterior of an eco-dome

Area Manager Adam Webb and Regional Manager Puck Heriford had discovered an organization called “Domes for the World,” a non profit philanthropic group dedicated to building disaster proof homes in 3rd world countries.

“At the end of every year we always take a vacation, but this time I wanted to spend that time doing service” says Heriford.  “When we learned that Domes for the World could build a house in just a couple of days, we were very excited.”

“These Domes are amazing.  Its the same guy that helped design the conference center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, so we knew the construction was solid.  When we learned that they were tornado and hurricane proof, we were totally impressed.”

The team helped to re-paint 2 different schools

The two built a program for their Security Consultants which allowed individuals to donate their earnings towards their new charity effort “Domes for Belize.”  They gathered thousands of dollars and over 30 volunteers.

“We were looking for individuals who were not only willing to donate money, but to travel to Belize in the fall to help build homes” says Webb. “We planned to complete one dome so the locals could see it from start to finish, then leave everything they needed to build their own domes..  We wanted to help them improve the quality of their own lives in as many ways as possible while we were down there.”

Once the cement is dry the bladder can be deflated and removed

The Warner Division also participated in the Securing Hope annual race for charity,  additionally raising almost $10,000.

In mid November, the team traveled to Belize and began work.

“It was an amazing experience” says Mickell Warner.  What a beautiful country, and the people are so friendly.  We were honored to have the opportunity to help.”

The foundations had been poured in time for their arrival and several people in the group helped to flatten them using large posts with flat wooden plates fastened to the bottom.

“It looked easy but after a while it got really challenging.” says Joe Jensen, an Area Manager in the Warner Division.  ”I got a few blisters but it was all so worth it.”

Local Belizian girl and her kitten

The team also helped put a fresh coat of paint on both local schools

Once the foundation was complete a large bladder was inflated, creating the interior of the dome shape.  Long metal poles were bent over to assume the shape of the bladder and then fastened together.  Once the metal frame was complete, the team began placing later after layer of concrete over the structure.

“Its such a simple yet elegant design” says Brianna Webb.  ”Its amazing to think of how strong these structures would be when they are done and how much shelter and peace of mind that will bring to the residents.”

Spending time with local families

The team completed one dome and started two others to be completed by local villagers.  Using an innovative pump system engineered by one of their team, they began construction on fifteen well pumps and taught local villagers how to build them.”

“It was awesome to feel like part of the community while we were there.” says Jessica Heriford. “We were only there a short time but we made such lasting, memorable friendships.”

“Independent sustainability was our focus” Adam states. “We left generators, hand drills, all the material and supplies and most importantly the training necessary for the village to now take care of their own basic needs once we left.  They are now equipped to erect their own domes and construct their own well systems.  We put a system in motion that will now move under its own weight.”

The team also took an opportunity to enjoy some of the scuba diving Belize is famous for, as well as see some of the local sights during their stay.  To see the pictures they took, check out our Flickr page.

To learn more abut Pinnacle Security’s “Securing Hope” efforts, or to get involved, visit our charity page.

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