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As we get set to enter the holiday season and close out another year, I am incredibly grateful for the milestones we achieved together. This year was defined by new collaborations, expanded programs, and groundbreaking impact, each building on our mission to empower individuals, families, and communities to rise out of poverty through opportunity.
Thanks to the steadfast support of our donors, partners, staff, and the resilience of our clients, we’re entering 2025 with renewed energy, focus, and hope. Join me in looking back at some of our most notable achievements of the year.
Expanding our reach: climate resilience in Malawi
This year, one of our most exciting expansions took place in Malawi, where in partnership with OI Deutschland, we launched a program to enhance climate resilience for over 6,000 farmers. Facing unpredictable climate conditions, these farmers are up against many challenges to cultivate sustainable livelihoods. Through this initiative, we’re not only providing them with climate-adaptive seeds and tools but also essential training in sustainable agriculture practices.
Our Malawi initiative exemplifies our commitment to creating long-term, scalable solutions that not only address today’s challenges but also equip families for tomorrow’s uncertainties. Your support has been essential to the growth of this program, and we look forward to deepening our reach and impact in the years ahead.
Celebrating 30 years of transformative impact
2024 marked a momentous occasion as our partner, Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans, celebrated their 30th anniversary. The event brought together distinguished guests, including Her Royal Majesty, Lady Julia as well as Kathleen Flynn-Dapaah, Director of Development and Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission in Accra.
Sinapi Aba has been serving the economically disadvantaged in Ghana through microfinance, youth apprenticeship, women’s mentorship and rural agriculture programs.
What started as a small NGO 30 years ago is today both an NGO and a Savings & Loan organization supporting those on the margins with 44 branches, 1000 staff, 580,000 clients, 83% of which are women, and a portfolio of 380 million Ghanaian cedis.
Sinapi Aba embodies the spirit of sustainable development, demonstrating how compassion and community engagement can uplift those in need. As we celebrate their legacy, we are excited to continue our partnership, working together to deepen our impact and create lasting change in the lives of many.
Uniting for greater impact
Throughout the year, donors gathered to celebrate the progress and renew our commitment to providing this dignified, transformative, and sustainable pathway out of poverty.
A defining highlight of 2024 was the launch of our President’s Circle. This group of visionary philanthropists and OIC’s long-term supporters has come together with a shared commitment to sustainable change.
In addition, donor trust groups continue to spark transformation in the developing communities that we serve in. Trust group members continued to unite in their commitment to raise vital funds for our programs including Honduras and Education Finance. This November, one of our trust groups embarked on an Insight Trip to the Dominican Republic with 19 participants, including families and children, providing them with a unique opportunity to witness the transformative impact of their contributions firsthand.
Another highlight was our International Visitors Tour, featuring Francisco Banegas from IDH Microfinance in Honduras, which brought donors from across the country together. His inspiring words reminded us that together, we are making strides in alleviating poverty in Honduras and creating lasting change.
I’m deeply thankful to every individual for believing in this mission. Together, we’re charting a course for meaningful, lasting change.
Taking huge strides in our fight against poverty
In 2024, our Walking People Out of Poverty campaign grew from a grassroots fundraiser into a powerful demonstration of collective impact.
The initiative began in 2014, when Peter Thorpe decided to combine his love of hiking with a mission to make a difference. His journey started on England’s 1,014 km Southwest Coast Path, completed over two years. By 2018, Peter set his sights higher, trekking the entire 4,265 km Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. Peter’s dedication proved contagious. Last year, OIC Board Chair John Mach and I joined him, covering over 400 km of the Pacific Crest Trail together.
This year, Walking People Out of Poverty expanded to seven events across Canada, raising nearly $120,000, including Peter and I hiking another 320 km of the Pacific Crest Trail. Now, this fundraiser is open to anyone, at any time, turning every step into an opportunity for families worldwide. Thank you to those individuals who joined us this year and turned their hobby into a powerful catalyst for change.
A legacy of faith and compassion
As we reflect on the successes of the past year, we are also reminded of the indelible mark left by our founder, David Stiller, whose passion and dedication to our mission continues to inspire us all. David’s commitment to empowering individuals and communities is a guiding light for us all at Opportunity International Canada.
In his honour, we will continue to expand our impact and pursue innovative solutions that address the root causes of poverty, ensuring that every initiative we undertake reflects the values he championed. His call to love and serve the poor and belief in the transformative power of opportunity serves as a catalyst for our work, reminding us that together, we can uplift those in need. And we will find continue to find tangible ways to honour his legacy.
As we conclude another impactful year, I want to express my deep appreciation for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones, uplifting countless families and communities in need.
As we move into 2025, let’s carry forward the momentum and spirit of collaboration that defines our work, embracing new opportunities to empower others. With your partnership, we can continue to create lasting change and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.