CCFC photo exhibit captures hope of people our supporters help

By Lauren Quang, communications intern

Visit the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival for an inside look at our inspiration

At Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC), we’re inspired daily by the strength and hope of children, families and communities, overcoming hardship, to live fearlessly with faith and optimism.

We want to share that hope with the world and invite guests to glimpse the lives of the children and families our supporters help. We’ll do that, starting May 22, at our premiere photo exhibition, Children Believe.

The collection of images was captured by Juris Kornets, a documentary photographer, and will be shown as part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival in Toronto.

The spirit of the children and families documented had an impact on Juris’ life. “I remember getting up at 3 a.m. to travel to a small fishing village and watch the men push their boats in,” he recalls. “They were assisted by young boys, and these boys knew that would be their life. [I] do get used to culture shock in many different situations, but there are things [I] see and simply never get used to.”

Patrick Canagasingham, our CEO, understands that well. He will be on hand to talk about the show and its significance during the opening event. “We believe a child’s voice should be heard, included and empowered. Through the exhibition, we want to show that more needs to be done to help children realize their basic human rights with education as a leading factor in determining their future success,” he says.

Guests will have the chance to meet Juris and enter a draw to win a mounted photo from the exhibition.

The Children Believe exhibition runs May 22 to June 5 at the Arta Gallery, in the Distillery District, 55 Mill Street. Catch it during the following times:

  • Monday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You won’t want to miss a special announcement from our CEO during our opening event Thursday, May 30 between 6 and 8 p.m.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

 

About Inspiring Stories

May 2025

Canada’s Opportunity to Lead: Education as a Path ...

As the G7 Summit approaches, Children Believe CEO Fred Witteveen calls on Canada to lead the world in supporting 12 years of quality education for all children—because education is key to global peace and prosperity.

May 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

A new government program in Ghana is providing free sanitary pads to help girls stay in school. Learn how Children Believe is supporting this initiative to break down barriers and fight period poverty.

May 2025

From Despair to a New Dawn Varalakshmi’s Story of ...

A moving story of resilience—learn how Varalakshmi overcame poverty, loss and stigma to build a better life for her children with the support of Children Believe and its local partner in India.