Amina (centre at the back) with her children, and grandson Praise. They send pictures showing the money they receive to thank the wonderful people who donate.
Behind every successful act of compassion is a community that shows up - quietly, consistently, and with generosity. This post is a heartfelt thank you to the many people who have helped support two intertwined families living in Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, and who are walking alongside us as we work to welcome Alfred, Yvonne, and their young son Praise to Summerland.
Many of you have followed this journey through updates shared on the Amina and Alfred Support Group Facebook page. I wanted to bring those messages together here - not only to document progress, but to acknowledge the people whose monthly kindness is quite literally sustaining lives.
The Families We Are Supporting
Brenda Lowe (One Person co-founder & President) first met Alfred in Tanzania in 2015. He was born in a refugee camp and, without legal citizenship, was eventually forced to relocate to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi. There, he met Yvonne, and together they welcomed their son, Praise, now three years old.
Through the support of The One Person Project, Alfred and Yvonne were able to have a wedding - an essential step that allowed Yvonne and Praise to be added to Alfred’s immigration file. Their application has since been approved, and we are now navigating the final stages of bringing them to Canada. They are expected to arrive in Summerland this May, a moment that will be life-changing for them - and for us.
In the meantime, community support continues to be vital. Monthly donations help provide food, clothing, medicine, and basic household necessities for:
-
Amina, Yvonne’s mother, and her six remaining children
-
Alfred, Yvonne, and Praise
-
Alfred’s youth running group, where he volunteers his time coaching children in the camp
During the One Person 2025 volunteer trip to Tanzania, Brenda and her partner Peter were able to travel onward to Malawi and visit both families in Dzaleka. Seeing daily life there firsthand reinforced just how much these monthly contributions matter - and how transformative relocation to Canada will be.
Our Regular Donors 💛
Some people have stepped forward again and again, providing steady, reliable support month after month. This consistency makes planning possible and brings much-needed stability to the families.
With deep gratitude, thank you to our regular supporters:
-
Richard H. & Corrianne H. (One Person members) – ongoing monthly support for Alfred, Yvonne, and Praise
Angela M. (One Person committee member) via Replenish Refillery – ongoing donations supporting the running group and youth athletes - with additional support going to Amina's family
-
Gary C. – consistent monthly contributions to Alfred’s running group
Their commitment goes far beyond dollars - it represents belief, dignity, and long-term care.
(TOPP also gives regular additional support for the families.)
Additional Donors We Thank Sincerely
We would also like to warmly thank everyone who has contributed at different points along this journey. Each gift, whether once or many times, has made a real difference.
With appreciation to:
Maureen B.
Philomena S.
Peter S.
-
Toni F.
-
Pat J.
-
Karen S.
-
Fred R.
-
Anna S.
-
Melissa P.
-
Brenda L.
-
Susan B.
-
Beki H.
-
Gary K.
-
Denise W.
Some donors supported family needs directly; others contributed toward the running group, travel preparation, or seasonal support such as Christmas. (Please contact me if I have inadvertently missed off any names!)
Moments of Joy and Gratitude
Throughout the year, we’ve been fortunate to receive thank-you messages, videos, and photos from the families - including Christmas greetings, proud updates about Praise learning English, and messages of thanks from Amina and her children.
Although Alfred’s family wasn’t able to be in Canada for Christmas as hoped, your generosity ensured they could still celebrate together in the camp, with food, small treats, and a sense that they are not forgotten.
Looking Ahead
As Yvonne and Praise prepare to say goodbye to her mother and siblings, it is a moment filled with both hope and sadness.
To everyone who has given, shared posts, asked questions, or quietly followed along: thank you. You are part of this story. And when Alfred, Yvonne, and Praise arrive in Summerland, they will arrive already held by a community that has been walking with them for years.
We have a wonderful 'Group of Five' settlement team - Susan B, Angela M, Maureen B. Corrianne H. and Brenda. A Group of Five (G5) is a group of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who come together to privately sponsor refugees. The group commits to providing financial support and settlement assistance for the first year in Canada, helping newcomers establish safe, stable, and independent lives.
For Alfred, Yvonne, and Praise, The One Person Project is providing the full financial support, and all members of the Group of Five are active TOPP members - working together to guide the family through arrival, settlement, and their first year in Summerland.
Asante sana — thank you so very much.
