Hi, I’m Patrick, the new CEO for Christian Children’s Fund of Canada. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, so you can see what will motivate me on this latest chapter in a life’s journey.
The story begins in Sri Lanka, the country I was born. I love Sri Lanka, but life wasn’t always easy on the island nation. More specifically, my world changed when a civil war broke out during my teens. It was a difficult time, but rather than deter me, it spurred me onward to pursue a career in social justice.
It’s why I got my Master of Arts degree in Human Rights from the University of London in the U.K. and a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from York University in Toronto. It’s why my career has been spent working with international aid agencies, such as World Vision and Oxfam International. Most importantly, it’s why I do what I do today.
I’ve lived and worked in many countries — from Botswana to Canada to the U.K. — and my goals have never wavered. And, even now, as the need for international aid has grown in recent years, amid global political and environmental turmoil, I’m more committed than ever to advocate for human rights and champion the needs of vulnerable children to promote positive global change.
As a husband and the father of a teenage son, I know how important it is to walk the talk. That’s exactly what I intend to do behind my desk, in the office with the team, on the phone and in person with donors and out in the field with the children we’re all helping chase and catch bright futures.
So, don’t go far. Once a month I’ll share my experiences; find out what’s happening and how generous donors are helping thousands of children turn hope into reality. After all, that’s the best part of my job.