Canadian Food for the Hungry
 | |
| Founded | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Larry Ward |
| Type | Non-governmental organization |
| Focus | Sustainable community development |
| Location |
|
Revenue | 9 million (2010) |
Employees | 22 in Canada |
Volunteers | 400 (IMED volunteers) |
| Slogan | Ending poverty, one community at a time |
| Website | fhcanada.org |
FH Canada is part of the global Food for the Hungry (FH) network, a Christian international development agency dedicated to sustainable development and emergency response worldwide. The organization also has a local mandate, offering worldview training workshops to equip Canadians to effectively respond to poverty both at home and abroad.
Internationally, FH Canada is currently partnered with developing communities in 10 different countries. Partnerships usually last around 7–9 years, at which point communities graduate as self-sufficient and turn to help their neighbouring communities make the same transformation.
Development model
FH Canada walks alongside community and family leaders – a significant distinctive in global development work. Instead of asking communities what they need, FH Canada asks them what they already have and helps them to develop their own visions of sustainability, providing notable dignity and respect for local leadership. FH Canada will often support communities in the following areas:
- education
- health and nutrition
- agriculture
- leadership development
- income generation
- environmental sustainability
- gender equality
Leadership
FH Canada (originally called "Canadian Food for the Hungry") was founded in 1994. David Collins, a former pastor and missionary in Vietnam and the Philippines, was the first president, holding the position until 2005, when he chose to focus more exclusively on teaching a Biblical Worldview to Canadian churches and Christian leaders.
Current president and CEO Ben Hoogendoorn joined FH Canada as a volunteer in 1997, then in 2001 began working with the organization as Director of International Operations. He became interim president in 2005, and officially accepted the role in 2006. For the 25 years prior to his work at FH Canada, Ben owned and operated a successful farm equipment dealership in Vernon, BC.
The international Food for the Hungry (FH) network was founded in 1971 by American Dr. Larry Ward.
International Medical Equipment Distribution (IMED)
In 2001, there was an addition of a regional office in Saskatchewan which runs the International Medical Equipment Distribution Program (IMED), a program that collects, refurbishes and ships used hospital equipment to hospitals that don't have access to sufficient equipment. IMED is also involved in the shipment of food and other supplies to relief situations when needed.
Financial stewardship
As a certified member of the Canadian Council for Christian Charities, FH Canada meets their stringent standards for accountability and organizational integrity. With 6% of income going to administration and running costs and 6% invested to generate future income, 88% of every donation goes straight into building sustainable communities.
External links
- fhcanada.org Official site
- vimeo.com/fhcanada Vimeo page