Dr. Wayne and Dr. Paulette have been family physicians for over 30 years in Red Deer, AB. The married couple have both travelled extensively around the world dedicating their lives to medical service. We are pleased that they have agreed to volunteer as Directors for ABW’s Medical Program. In this role, they coordinate all of the medical services that ABW provides, including dental, rehab/physio, surgery, training services, and medical trips.
Warren joined A Better World in 2013 and travels to Kenya regularly to manage projects. He is also a major donor to ABW and the owner of Co-operators Insurance Agency since 2006 in Lacombe, AB.
“I believe A Better World is making a significant, measurable difference in Kenya and other parts of the world. I wanted to play a small part.”
Rick joined A Better World in 2007 and makes at least 2 trips to Kenya every year to manage projects. He has been a volunteer Project Manager since 2011 as well as a member of the Steering Committee since 2015. Rick is the owner of Carpet Colour Centre in Red Deer. He and his company are major donors to A Better World, funding several education, water, and medical projects.
“I love to see people moving forward with our help and I know where every donor’s money goes, and that’s what I like about A Better World.”
Stu has volunteered with A Better World since 2004 and sits on the marketing and communications committee as well. A partner in Advanced Systems in Red Deer, he has been on more than ten trips to various project locations. Stu has been in the oil industry for the past 25 years. He recently retired from his position as VP of Business Development for Parkland Fuel Corporation. He is also a major donor to A Better World, funding several water projects.
“I volunteer with ABW because of the impact we make on communities through our Community Development Model, while maintaining accountability and transparency to our donors.”
Azalea has volunteered with A Better World since 2009 and has travelled twice to Kenya and six times to Afghanistan. She is currently a medical student at the University of Calgary.
“I am passionate about bringing opportunity to girls in Afghanistan. A Better World is making it possible for that dream to be realized.”
Ray is a physician with training and experience in international medicine. Deryl is an RN with a Master of Nursing in transcultural care and community health and development, and extensive international experience. Ray started volunteering in 2008 with Deryl joining in 2009. They have both been on numerous medical trips to Tanzania and Kenya. They are pictured with their son Dr. Drew Comeau.
“I joined ABW because it is volunteer-run and delivers on its promises to both the donors and the people it serves.” – Ray
“I am passionate about nursing and global health, and feel very fortunate to have travelled to about 75 countries to date.” – Deryl
Karen has supported A Better World since its earliest years, and recently took on a formal position as a volunteer. A physiotherapist with Alberta Health Services in Lacombe, Alberta, she travelled to Kenya in 2012 and 2013 overseeing physical rehabilitation projects. She has made several trips to Kenya since then to provide rehabilitation. Karen is pictured above at Kendu Bay encouraging some children about to go in for surgery.
“I have seen disabled children transformed and believe that we can make a difference one life at a time.”
Rob has travelled to Kenya, Haiti, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Bolivia. Rob also works as an EMT in Central Alberta and is a volunteer firefighter.
“In my opinion, ABW is an organization that truly reaches the heart of problems in developing countries and offers a hand up and not simply a handout.”
Debra is a former Special Education teacher and stay-at-home mom. She has recently become a proud Grandmother of a baby boy named Jacob! Debra has been involved with ABW since 2007 and travels every year to Rwanda to visit her Project. She visits her students at the Primary School, interacts with the teachers and parents/caregivers as well as visiting the home setting of the children. She ensures the needs of the kids are addressed both at school and home; many children have been taken to medical facilities to receive care.
“I am passionate about helping provide education to marginalized children in the developing world. I believe that education is critical in providing a hope and a future; a brick on the path out of extreme poverty onward to a bright future.”
Eric is a co-founder of A Better World and has been on 55 trips to developing nations around the globe. He is the president of Advanced Systems and lives in Lacombe, Alberta.
“I want to give back because much has been given to me.”
Keith Leavitt, a retired professor from Burman University, manages ABW’s Education Program along with a team of highly qualified educators. Pictured above is the team from left to right: Graham Mulligan, Gail Misek, Keith Leavitt, and Jennifer MacArthur.
Shanelle, an administrative assistant with Advanced Systems, has volunteered with A Better World since 2006. She lives in Lacombe and has travelled once to Kenya.
“I enjoy helping others and being part of an organization dedicated to creating relationships and sustainable change locally and internationally.”