Thanks to your support, people like Katie Corker have the tools to provide humanitarian assistance and save lives. Originally from Hudson, Quebec, Katie now lives in Gonaïves, Haiti, where she works as a Field Coordinator for Action Against Hunger. This World Humanitarian Day, Katie shares some of the challenges of working in the field and why she got into humanitarian work in the first place. She also answers this year’s World Humanitarian Day question: What does the world need more of?
“I’m from Hudson, Quebec but right now I work in Gonaïves, Haiti, as a Field Coordinator, where I am responsible for the overall management of ACF’s intervention in the department of Artibonite.
On my best days I get to speak to the beneficiaries of our projects and hear about how we can improve our work and our programming to better impact their lives in a positive way.
On my worst, I must let competent, dedicated and motivated staff go due to lack of funding.
The thing I miss most about Canada when I’m in the field is being with family and close friends and enjoying the beautiful nature that our country has to offer.
I got into humanitarian work because I wanted to put all the education I was fortunate enough to receive to good use, to do my part to create positive change in the world.
The world needs more inspiring leaders that will motivate us to better ourselves and our communities.”
A 2003 bombing at the UN headquarters in Baghdad killed 22 aid workers, which is why we commemorate World Humanitarian Day, on 19 August. It’s a day to honour those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service, while also celebrating the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the world. Your commitment to Action Against Hunger’s work creates positive change and fosters inspiring leaders like Katie.
Hear from more Canadian #HumanitarianHeros and help us continue to save lives.