Momentum in Action: Collective Efforts, Lasting Results.
Letter from the Board Chair
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the achievements of Opportunity International Canada in 2023, I am filled with profound gratitude and a renewed sense of optimism. This year, more than ever, has highlighted the incredible power of collective impact. Together, we have created ripples of change that extend far beyond what any of us could achieve alone.
Our mission to empower individuals on their pathways out of poverty toward sustainable livelihoods has been enriched by your unwavering support. Each donation, partnership, and act of kindness has been woven together to form a fabric of resilience and hope, strengthening communities and transforming lives.
In 2023, we witnessed remarkable stories of perseverance and success. From mothers starting small businesses to send their children to school, to farming communities flourishing because of increased yields and income, the impact of our collective efforts is both tangible and inspiring. These achievements are a testament to what is possible when we commit to a shared vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This progress would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our donors, the dedication of our partners, and the commitment of our staff and volunteers. As a board, we are steadfast in our dedication to transparency and accountability, ensuring that every action we take is aligned with our mission and values. We believe that maintaining the highest standard of integrity is crucial to achieving our goals and maximizing the investment you make in our mission.
Thank you for believing in the power of collective impact. Thank you for standing with us, for sharing in our vision, and for making a difference in the lives of so many. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to create a world of opportunity.
With heartfelt gratitude,
John Mach
Board Chair, Opportunity International Canada
JOHN MACH
Chair, Board of Directors
WALLY BUDGELL
CEO, Norlee Group
ORICEL CAMINERO
Leadership Development Trainer
JACKIE DINSMORE
Co-Managing Partner, Caravel Law
CRAE GARRETT
Executive Director, Interfield Global Software
GARY NISSEN
President, Canadian Avatar Investments
HEINER OPHARDT
Owner, Ophardt Hygiene Technologies
LISA OWEN-STRUTHERS Director, Not for Profit
STAN PAULS
CEO, Decor Cabinets
STEPHEN VERHOEFF * Principal, VGC Services
PAUL VERHOEFF ** Principal, VGC Services
DAVID STILLER
Founder and Honorary Chair Emeritus
DAVID BUSSAU
Founder OI Australia & Honorary Director
* Elected May 2, 2023
** Concluded term on December 5, 2023
Letter from the President & CEO
Dear Friends,
When I look back on the success of 2023, the word that continues to come to mind is “momentum”. This year stands out as the highest in non-government fundraising in our history, a testament to the incredible commitment of our Opportunity International Canada (OIC) family. Together, we have continued to make significant progress toward achieving our mission and empowering families to leave poverty behind, for good.
2023 marked OIC’s 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, we have empowered millions of individuals to break the cycle of poverty, fostering sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities. This milestone is a celebration of our shared journey and the impact we have made together.
As part of our anniversary celebrations, we were honoured to host an International Visitors Tour, with esteemed partners from Ghana, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. This tour provided a unique opportunity to bring the incredible work that we are part of, right to you.
One personal, significant moment for me was our “Walking People Out of Poverty” campaign. This initiative, which saw OIC Board Chair John Mach, myself, and our long-time supporter Peter Thorpe, join forces, highlighted the power of collective action. Together, we not only hiked over 400 km of the Pacific Crest Trail, but with your support we raised critical funds towards our work in Nicaragua. The campaign was a vivid demonstration of how we can make a profound difference when we unite our efforts and passion. This August, we invite everyone to be part of Walking People Out of Poverty. You can transform your favourite activity into a cause to raise funds and awareness for Opportunity’s vital work. Peter’s efforts have raised over $500,000 since 2014. Imagine the impact when hundreds of us join him this year.
The progress we have made this year would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors, partners, volunteers, and staff. Your contributions are the driving force behind our success and give me great excitement about what lies ahead.
Thank you for your steadfast support and for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we are walking people out of poverty and creating a world of opportunity. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the years to come.
With deep appreciation,
Dan Murray President & CEO, Opportunity International Canada
Fueling Our Momentum
At OIC,
our
vision, mission, and motivation are more than just words—they are the driving forces behind our pursuit of a world without poverty.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose.
Our vision propels us forward. We imagine a world where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can build a life of dignity, purpose, and freedom from poverty. This vision fuels our drive to create lasting change and empower individuals to transform their lives.
Our Mission
By providing innovative financial solutions, training, and support, we equip and empower people living in poverty to build sustainable, resilient livelihoods that can transform their family’s future.
Every day, we are committed to providing families with the tools and support they need to escape the grip of extreme poverty. Through our programs, we foster resilience, instill hope, and empower dreams. By offering microfinance and other financial services, we help families build sustainable livelihoods and brighter futures.
Our Motivation
We respond to Jesus Christ’s call to love and serve people living in poverty across the world. We seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
Our motivation guides what we do. Inspired by the call to love and serve, we reach out to all individuals. Just as the Good Samaritan extended compassion across boundaries, we are driven to bring hope and economic security to those in need, transcending barriers of race, faith, ethnicity, and gender.
2023 Program Impact
Our programs are designed to sustainably equip individuals and communities with the resources and support they need to overcome the hardships of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families.
At the heart of our work is microfinance, which includes providing small loans, savings, and financial services to entrepreneurs who would otherwise be excluded from traditional banking. By providing these tools, along with training and support, we foster financial inclusion and empower individuals, most of whom are women, to start and grow their own businesses, generate income, and build better lives for their families.
Agriculture is the backbone of many rural economies, yet smallholder farmers often struggle to access resources they need. Through our program, farmers receive access to credit, training, and market linkages to increase income and yields and improve food security. By investing in sustainable practices and supporting farmer-led initiatives, we help communities build resilience against climate change and other challenges.
Opportunity’s Education Finance program aims to get more children into better schools by improving access and quality. It connects affordable non-state schools with financial institutions for school improvement and fee loans. Quality is enhanced through leadership and teacher mentor training, creating child-centered learning environments. The Pathways to Excellence guide helps school leaders improve their schools using 18 measurable indicators.
2.28 million people made progress along their pathways out of poverty.
811 women farmers increased incomes, grew more food, gained climate resilience, and created jobs for neighbours.
366,888 marginalized learners were set on a path for future success.
OIC stewarded your generous donations to support holistic programs that empowered at least 3.1 million marginalized people directly and indirectly around the world.
Innovative Programs Health
A subset of extreme poverty are those living in ultra-poverty, who are unable to meet basic needs. Families living in ultra-poverty often need dedicated time, guidance, and specialized products and services. Our innovative programs, including ultra-poverty graduation, youth apprenticeship, and women’s mentorship, provide financial assistance, skills training, and socio-economic support to help individuals break free from the cycle of generational poverty, and thrive.
Our health program leverages our vast network of microfinance clients, empowering women to become Community Health Leaders. Through training, participants gain expertise in hygiene, sanitation, and community health needs to educate families, link them to local health services, and distribute essential products while earning an income. The outcome: enhanced health for hundreds of thousands and economic empowerment for the health leaders, their families and communities.
101,787 people living in extreme and ultra-poverty lifted themselves from the bottom of the poverty pyramid.
376,500 people living in poverty improved their health to build productive, resilient households.
2023 Financials
Thank you to our donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, government, and advocates who supported Opportunity International Canada in 2023.
Summarized Statement of Revenue *
Year ended December 31, 2023, with comparative figures for 2022.
Expenditures
Total - 3,141,639**
* Includes Agriculture **Includes $262,731 accrued by OICF in 2022 and disbursed by OIC in 2023.
Please visit opportunityinternational.ca for the complete Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2023.
Your Impact: Lives Transformed
Meet Yovanis
Yovanis is a 55-year-old, single mother from the La María neighbourhood of Cartagena, Colombia.
Yovanis is a dedicated grandmother responsible for three grandchildren, including one with multiple disabilities—physical, motor, and visual. Her grandson has become “the light in her eyes,” but caring for him and the family has been an immense challenge. To survive, Yovanis turned to various means to put food on the table, from recycling and selling coffee and sweets on the street to, at times, begging for money. This struggle was intensified by her grandson’s need for several costly medical procedures.
Despite these hardships, Yovanis never lost hope. She vividly recalls the day she encountered facilitators from the Ultra-Poverty Graduation Program while climbing the hill to her home. Despite her initial reservations she decided to get involved in the program, marking the beginning of her journey out of poverty.
The program offered her a lifeline, providing the financial support and training to start her own grocery store—a lifelong dream. Today, Yovanis’ store is a thriving business, generating enough income to cover her grandson’s treatments and more. She now believes more than ever that she is on the path to well-being, with a bright future ahead.
Alleviating Poverty, Together
Our impact over the last year is evidence of the power of collaboration and contagious generosity. Our corporate partners, dedicated volunteers, and countless supporters united to drive our mission forward. Together, we embraced opportunities, overcame challenges, and made significant strides towards a world without poverty.
Each contribution—whether time, resources, or expertise—sparked further acts of kindness, creating positive change throughout our community. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering belief in the potential of opportunity.
Bell CPA
Bell CPA & Associates has been an Opportunity corporate partner since 2014. We are delighted to be celebrating a decade of partnership with this generous firm. Each year, the team of accountants and business advisors participate in the ‘Day of Opportunity’. They gather with an Opportunity staff person on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty to receive their annual update on our impact. Last year, they made gratitude bracelets together and shared what they were all grateful for. The firm contributes one day of revenue, and every staff member contributes a portion of their wages to support Opportunity’s work. We are so grateful for your faithful support, Bell CPA!
Abbotsford Christian School
$47,400 raised over 11 years! Abbotsford Christian School was just one of several elementary schools across Canada that raised funds for our vital work by hosting an Opportunity MarketDay. Opportunity MarketDay is our exciting and interactive educational initiative, that provides teachers with free curriculum to guide students through a real entrepreneurial experience while raising awareness about microfinance and global poverty.
Team Biz Launchers
A giving group started by passionate Opportunity supporter Susan Patterson, Team Biz Launchers has been raising money to empower women in Haiti since 2021. Susan is an entrepreneur herself and believes that teaching women how to build businesses is a powerful way to create sustainable peace, not just for the women and their families but for their communities and their countries. Members of the group gather twice a year to receive an update on the women in Haiti and to socialize, building a strong community of people providing opportunities for marginalized women to break the cycle of poverty. This year, the group started raising money for women farmers in Ghana. Thank you, Team Biz Launchers!
Peter Thorpe and Walking People Out of Poverty
10 years and going strong! Walking People Out of Poverty started in 2014 when Peter Thorpe decided to combine his hobby of hiking some of the world’s greatest walks with making a difference. Since then, he’s hiked almost 4000 km and raised $500,000 in support of Opportunity’s work. Peter’s contagious enthusiasm for change continues to catch on. Last year, he was joined by OIC Board Chair John Mach and CEO Dan Murray. Together, they walked over 400 km of the Pacific Crest Trail. In 2024, Peter and Dan will walk another stretch of the trail, and you can join them by launching your own event wherever you are. Just like Peter, you can transform your hobby into an effort that results in lasting, sustainable change!
Cycle 5 To Survive
P.L. and Kristen Meindertsma combined their love of cycling with a desire to help those less fortunate by creating ‘Cycle 5 to Survive’ (C5TS). They set out to traverse five continents on bicycles over the next five years while partnering with five different charities along the way in the hope of raising $500,000 for each charity, including OIC. Their commitment to using their time, talents, and treasure for good is truly inspiring and the Opportunity Team is cheering them on! Follow their journey on Instagram @cycle5tosurvive!
Nicola Wealth Management
Our friends at Nicola Wealth Management continue to provide tremendous support towards our mission through their participation in the Tour de Victoria cycling event. Year after year, dedicated staff raise funds from their friends and family in support of OIC, while committing to cycle one of the distances offered in the Tour. With their generous offer to match their staff’s fundraising efforts, the group at Nicola Wealth raises over $100,000 every year to help individuals leave poverty behind, for good. In 2023, we were thrilled to host a group of Nicola Wealth staff on an Insight Trip to the Dominican Republic so that they could see, firsthand, the impact of their efforts and donations.
Your Impact: Lives Transformed
Meet Zinabu
Zinabu, a remarkable woman from Ghana whose story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and community support.
Born in Upper East Ghana, Zinabu now resides in Tamale with her family. From a young age she faced more than her fair share of challenges including a disability. Despite her hardships, she refused to give up. She aspired to be in business, initially learning sewing but later deciding to sell food. With the support of a small loan from Sinapi Aba, she transformed her small sachet water business into a popular restaurant, becoming a favourite spot for students and bank employees in the city of Tamale.
Building on her restaurant’s success and with the help of subsequent loans, Zinabu ambitiously pursued a new project: a guesthouse. In less than two years, through hard work and perseverance, she completed the guesthouse, which now boasts 28 rooms and is often fully booked. Zinabu’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there; her next goal is to build an orphanage to educate and care for children who can’t go to school. Even before the orphanage is built, Zinabu already supports around 40 orphans, driven by her own challenging childhood experiences.
Her passion for helping others, especially orphans, is fueled by her difficult past. As a child, she was left in the care of an aunt, which inspired her to ensure a better future for children without parents. Despite the modest income from her restaurant, her commitment to giving back to her community remains unwavering. Zinabu’s journey is one of compassion, resilience, and a relentless drive to uplift those around her, making her a true beacon of hope in her community.
The Momentum Continues
From the beginning, it’s been our mission to empower hardworking men and women on their journey out of poverty towards sustainable livelihoods.
When we set out on this journey 25 years ago, we had a bold mission but couldn’t fathom the impact we’d have. Since then, with the support of our community, countless lives have been transformed and individuals are building better lives for themselves and their families, with dignity and purpose.
There is a clear need to continue the hard work of innovating and collaborating with local partners to implement sustainable solutions to reach those living in extreme and ultra-poverty. This work is far too important to give it anything less than everything we have, and countless lives are counting on your support.
Join us as we turn the page on the next 25 years — with greater impact and more milestones to celebrate.
Give Monthly
Join us in making an impact towards poverty alleviation through monthly giving. A donation of just $20/month can improve the lives of those trapped in poverty.
Volunteer
Whether you can offer your time on a regular basis or for a specific event, volunteers are the heart of our organization. Your skills and dedication can significantly impact the lives of those working their way out of poverty around the world.
Become a Corporate Partner
Collaborate with us to explore mutually beneficial partnerships for your business and staff. By working together, we can amplify our impact and reach more individuals and communities in need.
Start a Fundraiser
Engaging your community in a fundraiser can have a big impact on both raising funds and awareness on Opportunity’s vital work.
Attend an Event
opportunityinternational.ca 101-2275 Upper Middle Rd. E., Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 1.877.867.2448
For additional information, please contact us at: connect@opportunityinternational.ca
