One can make
a difference
One can make
a difference
OMACAN
Our Founders
Our Founders
God Brings Together a Random Group of Good Samaritans
God Brings Together a Random Group of Good Samaritans
Father Martin Johnston
Father Martin Johnston
Retired Priest
Retired Priest
A parish Priest and missionary for more than 50 years in South America and Africa. Well known in Southwestern Ontario and the world for his continuous and relentless work with the extreme poor.
Bert Huys
Bert Huys
Retired Farmer
A farmer for nearly 50 years in Southwestern Ontario and active world adventurer on mission trips around the world donating and helping bring water, food and help to the extreme poor. Bert has a huge heart for his fellow man.
Donna Watkinson
Donna Watkinson
1941-2016
1941-2016
Healthcare worker for more than 30 years in Northern Ontario. She volunteered relentlessly in her home community and around the world. It is her love, kindness and ability to inspire hope for her fellow man that is honoured with the school in her name.
Lorraine Schaefer
Lorraine Schaefer
Retired Farmer and Student Exchange Director
Retired Farmer and Student Exchange Director
Our American friend. A farmer for many years (she won't let us say how long) and humanitarian for longer than some of us have been alive. A relentless donor to the poor around the world. Her love and kindness and life of charity inspire all of us. Lorraine organizes shipments of goods for the children of Masaka, Uganda including thousands of shoes, dresses and sani pads for Africa
Jack Snyder
Jack Snyder
Retired Masonary Businessman
A builder for more than 30 years. Jack is a constant volunteer and donor to causes aiding the extreme poor and an active participant on humanitarian missions throughout the years.
Mary Johnston
Mary Johnston
Missionary
Missionary
Mary as she likes to say, works for God and has since the day she was born. She spent 15 years as a missionary in South America and has been on 7 mission trips to Uganda to help the extreme poor of the Masaka District.
Dave Welling
Dave Welling
Technology Executive
Technology Executive
A 30 year high tech executive in Canada and Silicon Valley who's passion for youth and the extreme poor span more than a decade. Inspired by his mother Donna, he volunteers with at Risk Youth, Street Kids and the extreme poor. Active donor, leader and as the team calls him earth mover for the street kids of Nyendo and the extreme poor of Masaka, Uganda
Nga Thi Tuyet Phan
Nga Thi Tuyet Phan
Tailor and Business Owner
Tailor and Business Owner
Nga is a small business woman. A proud Canadian who immigrated to Canada as a Vietnamese Refugee. She understands well, the ravages of wars and is a difference maker for God. Nga is a powerful force for good with those in extreme poverty and fell in love with the orphan children of Masaka, Uganda
OMACAN
OMACAN
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Dave Welling
Dave Welling
Co-Founder, President
Co-Founder, President
A 30 year high tech executive in Canada and Silicon Valley who's passion for youth and the extreme poor span more than a decade. Inspired by his mother Donna Watkinson's life, he volunteers with At Risk Youth in North American and, Street Kids and the extreme poor in Uganda. Dave is a donor of this time, talent and treasure to these causes. He is a leader (the team calls him earth mover) who delivers results for the street kids of Nyendo and the extreme poor of Masaka, Uganda
Mary Johnston
Mary Johnston
Co-Founder, Secretary
Co-Founder, Secretary
Mary as she likes to say, works for God and has since the day she was born. She is a tireless contributor of her time and talent and has spent 15 years as a missionary in South America. Since 2013, Mary has been on 7 mission trips to Uganda to help the extreme poor of the Masaka District, building houses, helping the sick and imprisoned.
Tyrelle Anasara-Diab
Tyrelle Anasara-Diab
Director
Director
A college student in Montreal and at 19 a leader. Tyrelle is the youngest member of our team. Raised in the foster care system of Quebec, he found his way to a good mans path through the work of Boys to Men Canada. He has completed his first trip to Uganda this year and has taken up leadership roles in our work and fundraising projects. He is a youth mentor to the street kids of Nyendo and has put in place a mentor system for the boys at our hostel based on his training in Boys to Men Canada.
OMACAN Team in Uganda
OMACAN Team in Uganda
The Difference Makers
The Difference Makers
Ajeni, Paul
Ajeni, Paul
Controller
Controller
An accountant by education, Paul is our financial controller and an incredible humanitarian. He makes sure we are responsible, accountable and compliant with all the rules. He also dives in and helps with everything and anything that needs done. He has a giant heart and faith that shapes and drives his life.
Kabunga, Ronald
Kabunga, Ronald
Omacan Partnerships
Omacan Partnerships
A Street Child for 7 years, Kabunga has transformed his life with the support of Omacan. He is responsible for identifying partner organizations as candidates for Omacan support. He also is Omacan's first driver and graduate of our driving skills program, is our Omacan House leader, and is first student for the Grasshopper catching business program and the local chickens program
Tumwesigwe, Fadison
Tumwesigwe, Fadison
Security, Gardens, Master Carpenter
Security, Gardens, Master Carpenter
Fadison, has been an armed security guard for Ugandas top security firms for many years and is a master carpenter. He is responsible for Omacan 247 security operations, is grounds keeper, and is instructor on the Woodworking apprenticeship program. Fadison also acts as lead mentor for the animal and garden projects with the street children
Mbabazi, Olivia
Mbabazi, Olivia
Residence Care
Residence Care
Olivia, is a single young mother with experience in hospitality. She is responsible for the care and nutrition of the residents and guests of Omacan House.
OMACAN
Founders
OMACAN
Founders
OMACAN founders photo, taken in the fall of 2013 at the equator between Masaka and Kampala, Uganda. We were only missing our dear friend and difference maker Lorraine Schaefer. This trip was life changing for many of us and inspired the organization and projects we have undertaken since this trip.