Social

Airdrie, Alberta  

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.   

Airdrie, Alberta

 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.     

Calgary, Alberta 

Bob sits as Vice President and has been on the Board since day one.  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. 

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.  

Tiny, Ontario 

Kirsty is HBF's Treasurer.  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.  

Airdrie, Alberta   

Sabrina is a teacher and graduate student in clinical social work who has been involved in social justice for the past 15+ years. She first met Help Bolivia's co-founder, Lydia, when she was a teenager where they quickly identified their mutual passion for humanitarian work - specifically international development and women's equity. Since then, Sabrina has been the co-chair of a refugee-resettlement group at the University of Calgary, done research on food security in Western Africa,  worked with Queer rights groups in education settings, and acted as a Help Bolivia volunteer and board member.  Sabrina is happy to reprise her role as a board member after taking time to focus on her health.  She is looking forward to continuing Help Bolivia's work in supporting indigenous youth in Bolivia through education, supplemental nutrition, and entrepreneurial programs. 

Direct Marketing Manager

Ottawa, Ontario

 Michelle Tribe is a dedicated volunteer board director for the Help Bolivia Foundation. She holds a BA in Anthropology and her interest in Bolivia was sparked by her visit to the country in 2018. Michelle's commitment to giving back led her to volunteer with Help Bolivia during the global COVID pandemic. As a Certified Fund-Raising Executive, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families. Michelle has a long history of community involvement, having served as a union shop steward and a volunteer championing affordable housing in Ottawa. She currently sits on the board of directors at her housing cooperative. Michelle is inspired by words spoken by Douglas Cardinal: we should always ask ourselves if our actions contribute to the detriment or the betterment of our community.  

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.