Seeing Evidence of Impact: A Commitment to Lasting Change

Almost ten years ago, I stepped into the role of President and CEO of World Vision Canada . Since then, I’ve travelled to over 20 countries—places marked by both profound need and incredible hope. It’s been a privilege to see the results of our work and ministry firsthand and witness what we’ve accomplished together with donors, partners, and communities. 

On what may be my final field visit in this role, earlier this month I travelled to Türkiye and the Syria border. I saw the real impact of programming made possible by the generosity of Canadians, Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada and our partnership with the Humanitarian Coalition | Coalition Humanitaire, helping to tackle the ongoing rebuilding efforts after the earthquakes two years ago, and also coming alongside Syrian refugees. 

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Why This Matters More Than Ever 

This message comes at a time when global aid is under scrutiny, and humanitarian needs are escalating. Climate change, economic instability, political unrest, conflict, and a growing hunger crisis are part of daily life for millions. As I write this, nearly 1 in 5 children worldwide is displaced by conflict, and over 800 million people suffer from daily food insecurity. 

As I prepare to step down next month, I want to share what I believe we must continue to prioritize—as an organization, a sector, and a country—and why I still have hope. 

Keep Reaching the Hardest Places 

Canadian generosity and effective aid have enabled us to reach children, families, and communities in some of the world’s most challenging regions—northern Ethiopia, Afghanistan, eastern DR Congo, Syria, and more. 

In the last decade, World Vision Canada has reached more than 63.4 million people in over 65 countries. Importantly, 60% of our investments now support fragile contexts—areas impacted by conflict, chronic instability, and deep poverty. 

If we’re serious about reaching the most vulnerable, we must continue showing up where the need is greatest. 

Keep Sharing Our Joint Impact 

Poverty is complex and multi-layered. We work through deep partnerships with communities, local organizations, governments and children themselves to create sustainable solutions and lasting change. 

But we can do more to connect Canadians with those we serve. 

That’s why I’ve valued every opportunity to share the stories of individuals who’ve moved from crisis to self-reliance—like families receiving the tools to support their children through school, building futures of their own. Just last year, over 379,000 children received educational resources through our programs. That impact matters. 

We’re committed to sharing this impact even more—through partnerships with sports leagues, artists, churches, companies, and government institutions. 

And we’ve changed how we communicate progress. Our new digital tools give donors a real-time view of their giving history and impact. Our latest Impact Report offers an in-depth look at results, stories of change, and what we’ve learned. I invite you to explore and share it.

Keep Investing in Children 

The next generation must always be at the heart of what we do. World Vision has always been child-centred, and it’s for good reason.  Joint research by World Vision and Ernst & Young Australia shows that every $1 invested in children delivers $10 in long-term economic benefits. We believe that this is both a moral and economic imperative. 

 I urge our government to keep children—especially those living through conflict and disaster—at the centre of Canada’s international assistance strategy. It’s how to best build community resilience, long-term stability, and global prosperity. And we are investing in the future. 

Looking Ahead with Hope 

After almost thirty years in this sector, I remain hopeful. Hope is central to my own personal faith as I am inspired by Christian values. And I see hope all around, even during these difficult times. 

I’m hopeful that Canadians will continue to care. Hopeful that global leaders will invest in the courage and resilience of children. And hopeful that organizations like ours will keep working in partnership to make lasting change. Our hope is grounded in faith and in the stories of impact that have been shared with us over so many years. 

If Canada is to remain a global force for good, we must keep investing in the most vulnerable, partner intentionally to drive positive outcomes, and inspire Canadians to stay engaged. Not only is this the right thing to do, turning Canadian values of generosity and compassion into action, but it helps build a world that’s more stable, equitable, and secure. 

 Let’s keep moving forward—driven by compassion, grounded in evidence, and united by a shared commitment to lasting impact.