OUR ROOTS
Direct Abundance became actively involved with Holy Cross Primary School in 2006. Our first donation to Holy Cross Anglican School, in Belize was a small donation of toys we purchased ourselves. Upon returning home, we continued our mission and received donations from Dreammakers and the Toronto Transit Commission.
Since starting Direct Abundance, we have received donations from schools in three different school boards, in both Canada and the USA and have hundreds of supporters who single handedly help raise awareness, funds, and donations for Direct Abundance. We are presently organizing Mission trips for persons wanting to help.
The work is not over. Within the year we are hoping to expand our contributions. Directabundance continues to support schools in Belize, Haiti and have recently expanded our work into Jamaica. We are committed to working on several education and community development projects in Jamaica in 2012 – 2013.
Joanne O’Brien – Founder
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 the borders of Canada and her dreams were to expand internationally.
Joanne is using both her formal college and university education and experience as a front-line 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 offering assistance for many social issues that persons who are living in extreme impoverished areas of Jamaica struggle with on a daily basis. She is currently leading the “BUY A BLOCK – BUILD A CLASSROOM “project in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica and facilitating donations drives for schools and small communities in the Caribbean.
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.”
Debby Bairos – Global Ambassador
Debby is an honest, upstanding and responsible citizen. You’ll be drawn by her friendly, cheerful and engaging personality, but it’s her kindness, generosity and commitment to serving clients and all of humanity which stands out as the true testament of her character. She is a mother of two, a vegaterian who enjoys a naturopath lifetsyle and helping at risk youth.
Her passion to work with youth began in 2004 when she took part in a program at Eva’s Phoenix Youth Shelter and became drawn to reach out to the homeless youth. She then volunteered at the Harbourfront CRC as a youth worker assistant, creating activities and mini events for pre teens, and at Dufferin Mall Youth Services as a support worker to help counsel troubled teenagers. In 2005 she established a non-profit organization “YOUTH R US” and offered a variety of workshops and implemented community events for youth 13+. Her mission “to Support, Guide and Inspire” all youth who lack motivation and determination to fullfill their dreams. Debby is now proud to be a part of DirectAbundance team and plans to expand their work in Barbados in the near future.
Natalie Persad – Board Member
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 make her a vital asset to helping DirectAbundance achieve the goals of reducing poverty and community development in struggling countries.