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. 

Sabrina joined the Board in September 2019.  She 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. 

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. 

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. 

Calgary, Alberta 

After receiving my Master’s degree in architecture, I leveraged my design background, transitioning into construction project management. In that role, I was able to take advantage of my versatility, strategic thinking, & the ability to fully develop ideas & improve processes. As my skills evolved, I advanced to more executive project management as a Product Manager and Scrum master, by enhanced team performance and improved processes.

I believe in team work and continuous improvement with a winning attitude. I also believe success and improvement isn’t truly achieved alone, its important that we help those around us especially those in need in any possible way, either through encouragement, mentorship, charity and or giving.

This is why I joined Help Bolivia, just as the Name suggests to “Help”.

Help Bolivia Travel Coordinator

Angus, ON

 Tania is Bolivian born who has been living in Canada for the past 16 years. Owner of Tania's Beautiful Getaways Travel Agency, she is Founder of the Canadian Bolivian Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with We Rise Together helping spanish speaking entrepreneur women from Bolivia and Canada.

Helping people has always been her passion and this time she is happy to be able to help kids in her country.

Youth Ambassador Program Coordinator

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.