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Canadian Humanitarian, Change a Life

Nov 28, 2019 | 12:05 PM

It’s a common topic of discussion; what can we do to better our lives? Maybe we think about going back to school, or finding a different job. Maybe we’ll move to a different city. Our options for what we can take, where we can go and what we can do are endless. There are loans and scholarships to help us, job boards and recruiters to aid our search. It may not be easy, but we have the resources at our disposal to make it happen. Sadly, this isn’t the case for everyone around the world, but Canadian Humanitarian is working to change that.

Canadian Humanitarian was founded in 2003 under the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through their Educational Support Programs, children who have been orphaned or are vulnerable in Ethiopia and Malawi are given the opportunity to access tutoring, student interest clubs, medical care and daily nutrition programs, all aimed at giving these students the best opportunity for success in all aspects of life. Canadian Humanitarian is working to give these children futures.

“In a country like Ethiopia, giving education is breaking the cycle of poverty,” says Bisrat Sime, Canadian Humanitarian’s in-country representative, “If you give someone education, they will be capacitated enough to give back to the next generation.”

This organization was started by Deborah Northcott and her husband Dr. Richard Northcott. While adopting two children from Ethiopia they witnessed firsthand the struggle that families and children go through on a daily basis. After that, they knew they had to do something. Canadian Humanitarian starts the process of helping these children by meeting their basic necessities – food, shelter – and then address their higher needs, such as the need to belong, feel loved and fulfill their dreams.

Canadian Humanitarian is a charity that Park City Toyota loves to support. The organization was founded in Medicine Hat, and Park City Toyota is part of the community here. The Northcotts were long-time customers turned friends. They approached Park City Toyota eleven years ago about gala sponsorship and have been supporting the organization ever since. Through their commitment to this charity, Park City Toyota has help to change the futures of countless children.

In addition to sponsorships and donations, another way to help change a child’s life is by volunteering on an expedition to Ethiopia, Malawi or Uganda. Not only can you travel to see the impact donations are having, but you can also lend your skills and teach a class or craft. You can work side by side with local individuals to enhance their communities and impart your knowledge and skills.

They are always looking for individuals and businesses who recognize social responsibility and want to donate to a cause that is not just local; people and businesses with a global vision. Canadian Humanitarian needs people to recognize that we are all “citizens of the world.”

“If [you’re] willing to invest in people, who knows how those people could change the world.”

-Deborah Northcott