OUR ROOTS

Direct Abundance became actively involved with Holy Cross Primary School in 2006.  Our first donation to Holy Cross was a small donation of toys we purchased ourselves. Upon return home we continued our mission and we received donations from Dreammakers, and the Toronto Transit Commission.

Since starting Direct Abundance, we have received donations from schools in three different school boards and have over 200 supporters who single handedly help raise awareness, funds, and donations for Holy Cross. We are presently organizing student volunteers groups from Colleges and Universities to go and assist in the development of the school and community.

The work is not over.  Within the year we are hoping to expand our contributions to other schools and daycares on the island.   We hope to continue to grow to support all the children that live in San Mateo and hope to expand globally.  We are passionate about giving all children the opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joanne O’Brien
With a desire to assist others in need Joanne O’Brien founded Direct Abundance. After a visit to Central America, Joanne realized the needs that stretched far beyond boarders and her dreams were to expand internationally.

Joanne is using both her formal college and university education and experience as a frontline worker in Toronto Shelters, Addiction Centers and Social Services to expand Direct Abundance and improve the lives of disadvantaged people in developing world communities. Her current projects include personal volunteer work and donations drives for schools in Central America.

Joanne has been actively involved in volunteer organizations for the past 20 years, in areas such as planning, organization and fundraising. Joanne strongly agrees with the age old proverb “You cannot do a kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late.”

Heather Zwicker

Heather is a co-founder of DirectAbundance. Her strong belief and dedication to guide and support all children in over-coming difficult daily struggles and feel supported within their community has been her passion. Her several years experience working with children in needy communities within Toronto has taught her to see the strengths and resourcefulness within each individual.

Heather Zwicker has been advocating and supporting children with high needs in education and their communities for 20 years. Her understanding of education and her passion and commitment to supporting children in reaching their fullest potential helped expand DirectAbundance in the area of education. She has created awareness thoughout schools and actively be involved in organizing several fund-raising efforts.

Heather has experience working with several NGO’s, non-profit organizations and involved in multi-cultural studies and awareness campaigns. Heather is effective and highly motivated to the success of DirectAbundance. She believes her favourite quote “Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become as he should be” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Cathy Power
Cathy Power is an Early Childhood Educator by profession, currently working in management in  non-profit organizations for the past 6 years. She has been responsible for facilitating the agency’s Board of Directors within the childcare sector.

Cathy has been active in the childcare field for over 15 years and brings vast experience in childhood development. Cathy has initiated many beneficial programs into her agency work. She has brought together different NGO to benefit both the community and her organization. One of these initiatives is an intergenerational program.

She has served as Chairperson on councils, boards and committees.  Cathy is active in community programs that service children and youth. She has volunteered with various community, charity and social service events. She brings her passion for helping others and giving to those less fortunate with her to DirectAbundance.

Patricia White

Patricia joined Directabundance with an eagerness and desire to make a difference globally one person at a time.

Her proven expertise as an active volunteer with diverse clientele, a Director for Social Committees within the congregation and her Honours BA from York University; make Patricia an ideal match with the mission of Directabundance.

Patricia aims to assist the fundraising goals, donation drives, and school programs, enabling Directabundance, to expand it’s humanitarian efforts on an even larger scale.

Patricia believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. She has always given as much as she could and knows the purpose of her life is to give it away in service. She realizes Dr. Wayne Dyer’s statement, “The last suit that you wear, you don’t need any pockets,” is true for every person.

Natalie Persad

Natalie Persad joins the DirectAbundance team with great enthusiasm and 20 years of Social Service Management experience.

She has completed an Honours B.A. in Social Work.  Natalie has been at the forefront of many groundbreaking projects enhancing community development and support.  Her desire to serve others has placed her on various organizational boards, committees and advisory positions.

Her compassion, and leadership skills makes her a vital asset to helping DirectAbundance achieve the goals of reducing poverty and community development in struggling countries.