Social

  Matt is a Founder and the President of HELP Bolivia Foundation, and has many years of project management experience and a passion for landscape photography. While raising three children with Lydia, he volunteered with 1st Airdrie Beaver Scouts, coached in the local children’s soccer league, and helped the local food bank. A trip to Bolivia in 2018 sparked a passion to do something for the children and families of El Alto to help them realize their potential and overcome challenges they face in Bolivia today.   

 Lydia is a Founder and the Secretary of HELP Bolivia Foundation.  She has been involved in charity work and non-profits since 1997, has sat on several charity boards helping children in developing nations, and was an active volunteer with UNICEF for 15 years.  Lydia’s interest in Bolivia started with a research paper about Bolivia in the late 1990s. Soon after  she and Matt began sponsoring Bolivian children,  and helping Bolivian women entrepreneurs with micro loans.  Lydia works in the specialized area of Aboriginal law on behalf of First Nations, and is very familiar with the social issues that are found in marginalized communities.     

St. Elzear, QC

 On February 22nd, Help Bolivia held its third AGM where we welcomed Paul Dubeau to the Board of Directors.  Paul traveled to Bolivia with us in 2020, and saw first hand the work that we do, and the need in the community.  He knew he wanted to be a part of this.  We welcome Paul's big heart and dedication, and know he is an asset to the team.  Paul will return to Bolivia with us, where we will cut the ribbon on the Sewing Training program that he has sponsored in memory of his late wife, Carol.  We look forward to that day. Thank you for caring, Paul.  

 Kristy joined the Board in April 2020, following a trip to Bolivia with Matt and Lydia. Born in England and raised in Canada, Kristy knew she was privileged right from the start. When she heard about the creation of Help Bolivia, she immediately became a monthly donor, and jumped at the chance to visit the project in El Alto in 2020. She saw first hand the impact her donation and Help Bolivia were making, and the children found a place in her heart. Kristy is determined to help the children in El Alto thrive, and is excited and honoured to be on the Board.  

 Bob is a writer and blogger who volunteers as a writing mentor for developmentally challenged adults as part of the Long Table Creative, and  works at events for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, often as a photographer. He has experience on the boards of non-profit and charitable organizations including the Alexandra Writers and Silver Springs Community Association. But, he’s keen to become involved outside of Canada and is excited about the opportunity HELP Bolivia offers to children in need. 

Corporate Sponsorship Development Specialist

Calgary, Alberta

Volunteering I believe is a part of my DNA which stemmed from my experience as a student senator while in university and a volunteer on the British Council & Voluntary Services Overseas sponsored international exchange program. My experience has crystallized my worldview on how the world can be better if we all contribute our resources to address societal needs.

As an experienced External Relations professional with expertise in Social Investment and Sponsorships, I knew my skills would be valuable to Help Bolivia and I was not going to hold back. I am driven by social impact and I am excited knowing that the work I do today will have lasting positive impact on families in Bolivia.  I am excited to have joined the Board of Directors in April 2022.

Angelica was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia and currently lives in Calgary, Alberta.  She has been an Advisor and Supporter to Help Bolivia Foundation since 2019. In 2020 Help Bolivia expanded their network of friends and supporters in Bolivia thanks to Angelica's efforts.  

Lydia refers to Angelica as her 'Bolivian Mom' due to her kindness and concern. Angelica has a big heart for the children in Bolivia, having taught in El Alto in the past. 

I am an indigenous Aymara born and currently living in La Paz department in Bolivia. I am studying to get a law degree. In addition, I am a chess player. I have been working as a volunteer since I was a teenager, I love helping others.  I also I speak Aymara, English and Spanish. And I am currently learning to speak Portuguese as well. If you need anything you can contact me. I joined Help Bolivia as an Advisor after meeting the children and their families in May 2023.

Airdrie, AB

 Heidi is a recent business graduate of Bow Valley College, and sat on the Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021.  Ever since she was a child she has been volunteering and fundraising for various organizations, including UNICEF, the Salvation Army, the Airdrie Food Bank, and Tails to Tell Animal Rescue.  At 17 she organized a cancer head-shaving fundraising campaign for Kids Care Cancer and Angel Hair for Kids.  With a passion for making a difference in this world, Heidi is excited to be a part of HELP Bolivia, and although she stepped down from the Board, she is remaining as a volunteer to  work with the team to find the best way to make the biggest impact for a group of kids. 

  Airdrie, AB

Sabrina is an educator who feels strongly that all children, regardless of background or ability, deserve the right to a quality education. Previously, she has worked with refugees, helping to resettle them and provide access to post-secondary education. She is excited to be involved with HELP Bolivia because she knows that this organization is making a direct impact in the lives of the kids who need it the most. 

Sabrina began volunteering with HELP Bolivia Foundation in February 2019, and sat on the Board from Fall 2019 to Spring 2022. 

Youth Ambassador Program Coordinator/Social Media

Calgary, AB

 Mariana is a recent university graduate with an interest in economic development in the Latin American region. Born in Venezuela, one of her lifelong goals is to use her privilege to help marginalized communities in the Global South reach their full potential. She is beyond excited to be part of HELP Bolivia and to connect youth in Canada and around the world with the work being done to empower Bolivian youth. 

Calgary, AB

 Erika is a jack of many trades, having transitioned through a variety of career paths. She started out in medical and nutrition research and worked in the areas of nutrition and food security, as a registered dietitian. For many years, up until now, she has been a clinical and community dental hygienist, but recently also took on the role of ESL educator, with a focus on writing. Her passion, however, has been volunteering in the community, assisting those from other cultures. In her journey to learn Spanish, she has made friends throughout Latin America and travelled extensively in Chile and Argentina. She is looking forward to helping out the children and their families at the Tahuantinsuyo Community Centre by seeking out sponsors from corporations and foundations 

Calgary, AB

 Originally from Spain, Ainara is a dynamic, passionate, and curious person about global culture. She likes to get involved in social projects that help disadvantaged communities that have less access to education, economic opportunities, and other essential resources. Being multilingual and having lived in four countries (Canada makes five), she easily adapts to new places, people, and cultures. Her professional career is in the import/export sector and customer service for supply chain departments, and she is happy to help with translations for the merchandise and joining our Corporate Funding Team. 

HR Manager

Airdrie, AB

Nazra Khatoon is a research scholar majoring in Human resources. Her work encompasses the employability of persons with disabilities – A Study on Indian Students. She is firm believer of inclusive growth and education. She is passionate about helping underprivileged children and was associated with different organizations working in their interest.

She was born in India and recently moved to Canada and is willing to widen her work by reaching out to other countries as well.

Graphic Designer

Accra, Ghana

 From a young age, Gilbert has  been drawn to the force of technology. He is always looking to expand his understanding of the tech industry and the immense impact it has on people, businesses, and our future.  He is pleased to provide his time and talents to helping improve the lives of children in Bolivia.

Gilbert has a proven track record in planning and delivering online marketing strategies that transform brands from relative obscurity. He creates cutting-edge campaigns that improve positioning, accelerate growth, and increase demand.

 Gilbert analyzes current design trends, applies knowledge of marketing theory and principles and deploys methods that maximize growth.  He has proven experience in fast and agile digital projects; with background in development, design, and UI. He is a true asset to the Help Bolivia Team!