Share this post
When you witness a woman in Colombia using a small loan to build a bakery that feeds her family — or a farmer in Ghana transforming her harvest with the right tools and training — you begin to understand the power of opportunity. It’s not just about economic growth; it’s about dignity, agency, and hope. That’s what drew my wife, Harriet, and me to Opportunity International Canada (OIC) more than 20 years ago. That’s why I’m so honoured to now serve as Chair of the Board.
Standing on the Shoulders of Visionaries
As I step into this role, I am deeply aware of the legacy I inherit. David and Evelyn Stiller, who founded the Canadian arm of Opportunity International in 1998, cast a bold vision for what was possible. Over the years, OIC grew under the leadership of past board chairs, including Dale Patterson, Bob Lawless, Robert van Beers, and Tom McCullough. Finally, John Mach, my immediate predecessor, continued to strengthen the organization in many ways. I am grateful to build on their work, and to help steward OIC into its next chapter.
Why We Chose OIC
Two decades ago, Harriet and I were reflecting on how we could make a real difference. We looked at many organizations, seeking one grounded in Christian faith, global in its reach, and focused on long-term impact. OIC rose to the top of that list, and has stayed there ever since.
My personal background also shapes my passion for this work. I grew up in Trinidad and moved to Canada as a young adult, and that gave me a unique perspective on the need for our work in the developing world. I remember someone in Africa once saying, “Living in Canada is like winning the lottery. Even the neediest person in Canada is better off than almost everyone here.” That insight has never left me, and it’s part of why I feel such a responsibility to give back.
The Power of Opportunity
Often, people want to help those living in poverty by sending money, clothing, or other material goods. While well-intentioned, these gestures can sometimes do more harm than good, disrupting local economies and creating dependency.
That’s why OIC’s model resonates so strongly with me. We provide individuals with the opportunity to build a better life for themselves. A small loan to an aspiring entrepreneur can spark the beginning of lasting transformation. We’ve seen it time and again in the eyes of a shoemaker in Nicaragua, a baker in Colombia, or a farmer working to build a better future for her children.
And, in a world where women face disproportionate barriers, OIC focuses intentionally on lifting them up — 95% of our loan clients are women. When women thrive, families and communities follow.
Growing Through Global Collaboration
One of the innovative aspects of OIC’s work today is our deepening collaboration within the global Opportunity International network. By working together across borders, we can learn from one another, adapt best practices, and increase our impact, far beyond what any one organization could achieve alone. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re stronger together!
For example, we are working with our global partners on agricultural finance programs that are designed to help women farmers in developing countries develop crops and farming practices that are more resistant to climate change, get higher crop yields, and sell their crops at higher prices. We are also working globally to develop health financing solutions to expand access to quality care in underserved communities.
This global collaboration is already bearing fruit through major projects in agriculture and health that will be funded by Global Affairs Canada and our Canadian donors. In a time when some governments are cutting back on foreign aid, it is so encouraging to have the support of our Canadian government in alleviating poverty in the developing world, and for OIC to be recognized as a leading voice in this area!
Looking Ahead with Hope
There’s so much more to be done. Over 700 million people still live in extreme poverty, and the landscape of international aid is shifting, but I believe OIC is uniquely positioned to meet this moment.
Over the past year, our leadership team has been working on a bold new strategic plan — a roadmap to deepen our impact and expand our reach in the years ahead. It will be unveiled shortly, and I look forward to sharing that vision with you.
To our incredible community of donors and partners: thank you. Your belief in this mission makes everything we do possible. I invite you to stay close to this work, to walk alongside us, and be part of what’s next.
Together, let’s continue offering a hand up to those who need it most, and open doors to opportunity around the world.
With gratitude,
Randal Phillips
Chair, Board of Directors
Opportunity International Canada
Greetings and success, Randall. We will always be praying for you.
henoch
asodenic