Village of Love Canada Council
Thomas S. Axworthy
Thomas S. Axworthy has had a distinguished career in government, academia, and philanthropy. He is perhaps best known for his service as Senior Policy Advisor and Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, before leaving politics to teach.
Dr. Axworthy has twice been invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada (2002). In 2012, he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian public policy.
For a full bio, see AXWORTHY
“Village of Love is cost effective in choosing to operate through an already established organisation, The CAP Network. I believe in the project because I see every penny going towards needed work on the ground.”
Linda Levin
Chair of Village of Love Canada Board. Ordained Minister in the United Church of Canada, recently retired from Runnymede United Church after 29 years of ministry, nurturing the congregation in faith growth and outreach. Former teacher and educator. Raised in South Africa.
“It is a delight to be able to support a truly innovative venture that fills an unmet need. Village of Love, has found a way to provide systematic funding for orphaned children to be cared for in families that love them, rather than in an institutional setting. I feel privileged and grateful to have this opportunity to be part of a venture that provides love for the unloved and real hope of escape from the cycle of poverty.”
Paul Stenton
Past Deputy Provost, Ryerson University.
Robyn Salter
Social Worker, Sick Kids. MSW, RSW.
As the social worker with the HIV Program at Sick Kids in Toronto, Robyn has provided psychosocial care and counselling for children and families with HIV since the program started in 1988. She has worked with parents, health care and community agency staff to develop programs and services for children and families throughout this time.
Robyn has had the opportunity to work with social science researchers, to present and publish reports and articles on psychosocial issues for families with HIV, disclosure of HIV status to children with HIV, group support, medication adherence and child welfare issues for children with HIV. In addition, she has had the opportunity to visit Africa twice and see the adverse situations for children orphaned by AIDS. For a week, she stayed with the Obara family and saw the positive effects of the loving family care they provide to 10 children orphaned by AIDS who are now well-adjusted, happy children with good futures.
“Village of Love Canada is an innovative model of care providing loving care and education for children orphaned by AIDS, while empowering caregivers to increase their incomes and their knowledge of children’s emotional needs; Love, Learning and Livelihood.
This is what I know children need. This is what I want to support. I’m very gratified to be working with a dedicated committee in Canada and Kenya, bringing varied and valuable knowledge together to develop this program.”
John Rossall
Salome Githuku
Kenyan human rights activist.
Joshua Makori
Toronto Lawyer
Esther Anyona
Yen To
“I have been fortunate to see directly the multiplier effect and impact of a dollar donated to the Kijiji cha Upendo project. What might account as a fraction of daily spending in Canada, amounts to transformative change in the life of the children and women of the project, who work tirelessly to maximize each penny for the betterment of their families and communities. The caregivers are uncommon examples of compassion and generosity amid violent poverty, giving everything they have to sustain a safe home for their adopted and biological children. I am humbled and honoured to support such a unique, self-initiated and community-rooted project.”