About Us

Through our work, we provide innovative solutions to prevent, detect, and treat diseases that affect the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. 

Who Is Effect Hope

Effect Hope is a Canadian Christian global health organization. We are the only Canadian organization exclusively focused on serving people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) like leprosy.

For more than 130 years we have been working to create better access to healthcare for people living in remote parts of the world. Our aim is to create long-term solutions for addressing physical health, mental health and social acceptance of marginalized people.

We are a member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities and we’ve been named Top Ten Impact Charities and Top 10 International Impact Charities of 2020, 2021 & 2022 by Charity Intelligence Canada.

We’re On a Mission!

We coordinate efforts with partners to overcome the devastating effects of Neglected Tropical Diseases like leprosy. This includes breaking down barriers to health, education, social acceptance, and livelihoods.

What We Do

We partner with others to deliver programs that strengthen healthcare systems and improve access to resources for marginalized people. Partners include other global health organizations, local governments, and community leaders.

Together, we provide resources and develop impactful programs that help people overcome the effects of disease, disability, and discrimination. By doing so, we can increase people’s capacity to regain their independence and reverse the cycle of extreme poverty. Our programs include:

  • Early detection of disease – we go door-to-door in remote communities to detect diseases

  • Early diagnosis and treatment to help prevent disabilities

  • Corrective surgeries for severe disabilities

  • Physiotherapy to restore the use of limbs

  • Self-care programs to prevent disease complications

  • Community-based mental health programs

  • Health education and awareness campaigns to reduce discrimination

  • Research and development of new treatments and vaccines

Why We Do This

We believe that all God’s children deserve good health, social wellness, and to live life with dignity. Everyone should have hope for the future. These universal needs are for all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, age, gender, or socio-economic status. At Effect Hope, we support health and wellness for the people we serve, while respecting their desire for independence and self-sufficiency.

Our Mission

As followers of Jesus, we partner with others to bring hope and restoration to people affected by neglected tropical diseases like leprosy.

Our Vision

A world where people overcome neglected tropical diseases like leprosy — a world full of hope. 

Our Impact In 2022

Effect Hope has a significant impact on the lives of millions of people affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) around the world. Through our innovative and impactful solutions, we can prevent, detect, and treat NTDs. We serve people in a holistic way, addressing not only their physical needs, but also their social, economic, and mental health issues.

6,398 Pairs of customized protective footwear provided to restore mobility.

445,608 People screened for NTDs to find cases early to prevent disabilities.

2,753 People diagnosed with NTDs during screening programs, so they can get treatments more quickly.

683 Awareness programs to
reduce stigma and discrimination among people affected by NTDs.

43,819 School children who gained awareness about leprosy so they can speak up when they need help.

Learn More About Our Impact In 2022

Leading Our Team

People who work at Effect Hope share the values and vision of our community. That includes our supporters, partners, and the people we serve. Our team is led by passionate and purpose-driven people. 

Kim Evans

CEO

KEvans@effecthope.org

Kim's Bio

Since joining Effect Hope in 2019, Kim has personally met people whose lives have been transformed with the support of Effect Hope. With a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Kim has served on the boards of several Canadian charities. Previously, she practiced law, and also worked in leadership roles at other charitable organizations. In her spare time, Kim enjoys golf, a great cup of coffee, and God’s creation. She lives in London, Ontario and regularly spends time with her loving nieces and nephews.

Maneesh Phillip

Director of International Programs

MPhillip@effecthope.org

Maneesh's Bio
Maneesh has been with Effect Hope since 2015 and holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, at the University of London. Maneesh has been working in the field of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition and Public Health Systems Policy and Programs for over 15 years in Asia and Africa. He has worked with diverse partners, including governments, United Nations agencies, international and national NGOs and research institutions. Maneesh is also the current Vice-Chair of the Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases. Maneesh lives in Whitby, Ontario with his wife, son, and adorable goldendoodle. He plays tennis, soccer and is a keen hiker. He also volunteers as an official for Swim Ontario.

Harin Watson

Director of People and Culture

HWatson@effecthope.org

Harin's Bio
Harin has worked with Effect Hope for over 15 years. He is an operations leader who inspires and motivates teams, while creating solutions to achieve organizational goals and mission growth. His career has spanned business leadership in both the commercial and charitable sectors. His areas of expertise include business operations, human resources, strategic leadership, finance, information technology, and client relationship management. He is also a singer/songwriter and guitar player in his spare time. Harin lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife.

Deb Hopper

Director of Development

DHopper@effecthope.org

Deb's Bio
Deb joined Effect Hope in 2018 and has 25 years of development experience. She is committed to creating sustainable financial models for charitable work. Deb leads a team of professionals who work towards creating long term relationships with funding partners. In previous roles, she helped high profile organizations like 100 Huntley Street, The United Church of Canada and Daily Bread meet their funding requirements. After completing her education in Religious Studies and Communications, Deb became a pastor and currently serves in congregations across the GTA on a part-time basis. Deb lives in Georgetown, Ontario, with her husband of 33 years, and their 2 sons.

Breanna Willock

Director of Communications and Marketing

BWillock@effecthope.org

Breanna's Bio
Breanna has more than 13 years of experience in communications and marketing and leads our communications and marketing team. She is an innovative leader with a passion for driving social change. With an educational background in marketing management, Breanna is a specialist in human-centered campaigns across both private and public sectors. She previously worked for The University of the Fraser Valley and CBI Health Group in marketing and communications roles at a senior level.

Lee-Anne Teague

Director of Finance & Administration

LTeague@effecthope.org

Lee-Anne's Bio
Lee-Ann has 25 years of financial management experience and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and CPA Canada. Her expertise includes significant director-level experience with Canadian not-for-profit organizations, with a high level of integrity and ethical standards. Lee-Ann is not only highly skilled with financial forecasting and analysis, but also financial reporting for existing government grants and proposals for new grants. Lee-Ann’s professional experience as a Chartered Accountant spans both Canada, and her birthplace, South Africa.

Anna Wickenden

Senior Technical Advisor, Health Systems Strengthening and Inclusion

Awickenden@effecthope.org

Anna's Bio
Anna joined Effect Hope in 2008 and holds a degree in politics and development, a master’s degree in gender and international development and a PhD in global health. She has expertise working in global health and non-profit organization management. Her area of specialty is in management and implementation of health systems strengthening for neglected tropical diseases programs. Anna Lives in London, England with her husband 2 children. Her favourite way to unwind is enjoying music and practicing her dance moves.

Guillermo Robert

Technical Advisor, Global Health

Grobert@effecthope.org

Guillermo's Bio
Guillermo has been with Effect Hope since 2021 and holds Master’s degrees in Public Health in Developing Countries, as well as Development and International Cooperation. He has more than 10 years of experience in Global Health. His areas of expertise are operational and implementation research, community-based interventions, epidemiology, monitoring and evaluation of complex public health interventions and health system strengthening in the context of neglected tropical diseases. In his spare time, Guillermo loves adventure sports such as mountain climbing, scuba diving, and canyoning. He also enjoys cooking paellas. Guillermo lives in Barcelona, Spain.

Our Board Of Directors

Dr. Alison Krentel

Chair of the Board

Alison's Bio

Dr. Alison Krentel, PhD MSc BA, is an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa and a scientist at Bruyère Research Institute. She joined the board in 2019 and currently serves as our Chair. Dr. Krentel lives in Ottawa with her family.

Randy Henderson

Vice Chair

Randy's Bio
Randy Henderson, CA, CBV, has been on the board since 2022 and currently serves as the vice-chair. Before his retirement, he had a lengthy corporate career, followed by 10 years as the SVP and Chief Operating Officer of Tyndale University. Randy is retired and lives in Moffat, Ontario with his wife.

Joe Tabet

Secretary-Treasurer

Joe's Bio
Joe Tabet is the CFO at Health Partners International of Canada. He joined the board in 2021 and currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering with his local Rotary club. Joe lives in Beaconsfield, Quebec with his wife.

Dr. Ronald Davidson

Ronald's Bio
Dr. Ronald Davidson is a retired medical physician with advanced occupational and aerospace medicine training. He has been on the board since 2019 and has expertise in leprosy and tropical diseases with advanced training in global health and parasitology. Dr. Davidson lives in Russell, Ontario with his wife.

Peter Hogg

Peter's Bio
Peter Hogg, CPA, CA owns and operates a public accounting firm. He joined the board in 2012 and has served in various capacities, most recently in the role of Chair. He follows in his father’s footsteps, who was also a member of the board of Effect Hope. Peter lives with his wife in Toronto, Ontario.

John Humphreys

John's Bio

John Humphreys is a lawyer and has been a member of the board since 1998. After living for several years in the USA, John now resides in Toronto, Ontario with his wife.

Ron Pike

Ron's Bio
Ron Pike is the CEO of Elim Village in Surrey, British Columbia. He grew up as a child of missionaries who worked in India, and his grandfather worked with a leprosy mission hospital. Ron has been on the board since 2021 and lives with his wife in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Gary Sharpe

Gary's Bio
Gary Sharpe, P.Eng., M.C.M. is the worship pastor at Journey Church in Fredericton, NB. He is a civil engineer and pastor with a passion for international development. He has been serving on the board since 2022. After several years of working and pastoring in Ontario, Gary now resides in, Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick with his son.

Tammy Wu

Tammy's Bio
Tammy Wu most recently held the position of Project Manager, Global Health at Queen’s University. She holds a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Science and an MBA. Tammy has been on the board since 2023 and lives in Stouffville, Ontario with her husband and children.