Testimonials

“I am so grateful for the love and concern shown by ODO for the children of Haiti. It is so encouraging to see God’s faithfulness in this ministry.”

-Gerald Hawranik, Former MLA Lac du Bonnet

“Haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, has countless children struggling daily with the realities of dying, being orphaned, abandoned or sold to slavery. The vision of Open Doorways Orphanage is to establish a home for some of these children who are desperately longing to be individually nurtured with love and given the basic provisions of food, clothing, shelter, safe water, medical care and education. Giving these children the opportunity to embrace the gift of their life and the hope to reach their full potential with dignity can in turn empower them to bring healing and a brighter future for themselves and their country.

Open Doorways Orphanage is a project where everyone is invited to “open the doorway of their heart” and consider the opportunity of extending care and compassion beyond the borders of our homes, local communities and country to a segment of our hurting global family. Together we can make a difference. Will you join our vision and journey with us? It's a wonderful way of being thankful for our personal blessings and opportunities... and a wonderful way of sharing these blessings and opportunities with those in need to help them "open the doorway of their heart.””

-Lilianne Gauthier, Secretary, Open Doorways Orphanage Volunteer Board of Directors

“After having experienced being in Haiti with Project Teach, I am very aware of the tremendous poverty and need in this county. It is so great it could be overwhelming.

I realize the only way to provide some support is to do it one step at a time. The Open Doorways Orphanage is doing just that.

It is making the difference in some children’s lives by providing them with the basics as well as an education and a sense of belonging to a family.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to be a supporter of this fine organization. "Together we can make a difference.””

-Irene Hudek

“With Christmas 2005 just around the corner, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a country full of opportunities and blessings. Most of us have more than we need and a thought came to my mind as we try to find the perfect Christmas gift for our family and friends to show our love and friendship. In support of Open Doorways Orphanage, what a wonderful time of year to consider giving on our loved one's behalf to the project instead where the gift will be used to bring opportunities and blessings of hope, peace and love to those who are desperately in need. This could also be a year-round consideration for birthday time, anniversary time, or in memory of someone.”

-The late Irene Turner

“The last few years, our family has chosen ODO as a worthwhile cause to make a financial donation in lieu of Christmas gifts to each other. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support this charity that enhances the lives of those struggling with poverty. ”

-Supporter from Whitemouth, MB

“I am so grateful for the love and concern shown by ODO for the children of Haiti. It is so encouraging to see God’s faithfulness in this ministry.”

-Lorraine, supporter from Anola, MB

“As parents of three children and six grandchildren, we realize the importance of quality care for children. We trust the Open Doorways Orphanage organization to provide that quality care for orphans in Haiti. ”

-Lorraine & Al C.

“Sharon Dugard, president and founder of Open Doorways Orphanage, has visited our school in the last few years to speak of her experiences in Haiti.

The students have been very inspired by her and her dream of building an orphanage for children in that country struggling with poverty.

They were moved to hear there are many children without a home, food or even a chance to go to school, all of which many of us take for granted.

With new awareness, Student Council decided to help this charity and began raising funds through sales of cookies and Freezies.

There is nothing more important in the world than making sure children are fed and sheltered. We thank this organization for their hard work and thrilled Open Doorways is now a reality in Haiti. We will continue having fundraisers for this wonderful project and happy to be able to contribute in a small way.

Open Doorways has given us the opportunity to learn not only with our minds but also with our hearts.”

-Kim Semonick, Grades 3-4 Teacher, Gillis School, Tyndall, MB

“On November 2004, Sharon Dugard and myself offered a presentation on Haiti to our grades 7 and 8. This goal was to talk about one of the poorest country in the world and have the students realize the daily challenge that their citizens have to live with. We talked about different aspects including education, population, poor living conditions... It was all very educational for the students who were very interested. Sharon shared her project on building an orphanage for the people entitled "Open Doorways". The students were very touched and once back into class discussed with their teachers of ways they could help and ideas to raise money to support the project. I was very excited because having taught in that country for a month during the summer of 1990, I still feel very close to the people of Haiti.

As a school principal, I think it is very important to teach empathy to our students. Giving them a sense of empowerment shows them that they can make a difference in making this world a better place for every human being.”

-Yvette Mallet, School Director, Ecole Lagimodière, Lorette, Manitoba

“Open Doorways is opening the hearts of many people. It's a wonderful example of how people really can and do make a difference.”

-Jan Hnatiuk (Teaching Assistant)

“I write in support of a cause of crying need and undeniable merit. Sharon Dugard seeks to build an orphanage to finally give a home to young people. In childhood, without a home, there is no hope. They have no chance to learn how to earn a livelihood either. If Sharon succeeds, many youngsters' lives will change from despair to normal hope. As one who supports Habitat for Humanity because of the hope it brings to young families, I find it compelling to support this effort on behalf of homeless children.”