Danny, executive director
I don’t actually know anything about the baby photo. I am too young in it to remember. We took the more recent photo on a family vacation.
Throughout my life, my mom has supported me and the decisions I have made no matter what, without question. If I told her I wanted to spend the rest of my life busking on the street corner, she’d cheer me on and be there to drop coins in my guitar case.
2. Has your mother been a part of what made you decide to get involved with humanitarian work? If so how?
Yes. Despite being a single mom raising four kids, she always gave to charity and looked out for those less fortunate. She is also curious about the world, with friends from all its corners and a passion for learning about different cultures (music, cuisine, dance, traditional medicines). In addition, she made sure to instill a love of travel in us kids. She saved up to take us on at least one trip every year, eager to show us the world (its gems and its warts) beyond our home town.
Paula, Director of Operations
This is me and my mother up in Northern Ontario at Endikai Lake – it is one of our favourite places to go together and get away from the world and relax – canoeing, fishing, hiking and cooking lots of good food.
1.Tell us one thing about your mother that you love.
I love that my mother seems to know how to do everything. Whenever I have a question, she never fails to answer it and point me in the right direction.
2. Has your mother been a part of what made you decide to get involved with humanitarian work? If so how?
My mother has a passion for the outdoors, for seeing and experiencing new thing, for wanting to know the world and the people in it. She influenced my career in two distinct ways. When I was little my mother was always involved somehow in helping other people in the communities where we lived. She encouraged me to participate in different ways whether it was through activities at our church or at school. It was how I developed much of my understanding of inequality in the world and how to be part of change. She was also the first one up on the weekends brining me and my brothers on hikes, canoe rides, cross country skiing – you name it. She got me interesting in nature, the outdoors and exploring the world. After spending over 15 years living abroad in Central and South America and Africa – I have had the greatest opportunity in the world to discover these places with my mother through my travels and my work – and as I write this message for Mother’s Day – she’s out exploring the world as we speak – a hard mum to keep track of – but a great mum to have.
Victoria, senior program manager
Voici une photo prise avec ma ‘mum’ Nancy et moi l’automne dernier. J’adore la belle énergie de ma mère, qui m’a toujours appris l’importance de rester positive dans la vie. Depuis que je suis toute petite, elle m’a fait prendre conscience de la chance que j’avais d’être née ici, au Canada, dans ma famille et que tout se jouait sur le hasard de la vie. Cela m’a ouvert l’esprit et à fait naitre ma vocation à lutter contre les inégalités dans le monde.
Patrick, regional project adviser
This is a photo that perfectly sums up the relationship with me and my mom, Lisa. Her and my dad came to visit me while I was in France studying for my Master’s in Food Security and Rural Development. The fact that this is the photo that she validated to be put on the ACF blog, shows that our relationship shares not only lots of love, but a similarly goofy sense of humour.
One thing I love about my mother is that she gives me many, many, many reminders that I am welcome to come back and visit as soon as my mission is done, if not sooner. Her advice keeps me grounded, encouraged, and level-headed in those times when faced with difficult and challenging circumstances when I’m away on mission.
2. Has your mother been a part of what made you decide to get involved with humanitarian work? If so how?
My mom brought me up to care about other people, to share, to help, to offer whatever I can to whomever is in need. In doing that, she laid the framework for me to pursue working in the humanitarian field, perhaps unwittingly given the times and distances that we’re apart. However even today, when I visit on a break or vacation from a mission, she has been known to organize weekends for us two volunteering for local charities… the woman is non-stop!
Zoe, fundraising manager
My mum and I at a cottage in Canada and her and I at our old apartment in NYC.
My mother is the queen of finding the good in any situation! She is the first to laugh when things don’t go as planned and she always knows how to cheer me up when I’ve had a rough day. I love that about her.
2. Has your mother been a part of what made you decide to get involved with humanitarian work? If so how?
Absolutely! My mother has always been intrigued by other cultures and other places in the world and she passed that excitement onto me. She also works for a humanitarian organization – I am really proud to have followed in her footsteps!
Gillian, SMART intern
These photos are just two examples of activities my mama bear and I enjoy doing together. The past photo being a day at the park and the more current selfie being in the stands at a football game.
1. Tell us one thing about your mother that you love.
As an adult, I often reflect on the activities and adventures I would do with her as a child (library visits being my all-time favourite). I love how she consistently motivates me and believes in me to go for what I want. My passion for new experiences today is a result of her encouragement for them throughout my childhood.
2. Has your mother been a part of what made you decide to get involved with humanitarian work? If so how?
Her life story, with equal parts education, immigration, hard work, and illness, inspires me to always balance life and work. Simply put, this is why I’ve chosen humanitarian work. I am grateful for a career that aligns my principles and values with my knowledge in research, nutrition, and public health. Happy Mother’s Day mama bear!
Xueting, communications intern
University graduation. Neither of my parents has ever been to college. But it doesn’t affect them being just as awesome, open-minded, supportive, caring and understanding as any other great parents and for being the best gift I’ve ever had and will ever have in my life.
1. Tell us one thing about your mother that you love.
My mom is always positive, curious and open to challenges. She told me it’s okay to be a dreamer no matter what but I’ll have to stick to my promise and work hard, and harder, to reach that goal.
2. Has your mother been a part of what made you decide to get involved with humanitarian work? If so how?
Growing up in a developing country where poverty among other social issues are perhaps more commonly seen, mom had always told me to keep an eye on the less fortunate and remember where I’m from. The idea of giving, sharing and resonating with my people has been rooted in my upbringing and that’s what made me become passionate about humanitarian work.
To all the great moms that have raised us, taught us right from wrong and loved us unconditionally, Happy Mother’s Day!