Role of Amma Canada in the funding ecosystem
Amma Canada is a registered charitable organization that channels donations toward concrete projects serving marginalized people in Canada and abroad. Formerly known as Amma Foundation of Canada, it focuses on alleviating poverty and social exclusion by providing financial support, bursaries and in‑kind contributions such as food, clothing and farm produce. Its activities extend across the Greater Toronto Area and other centres in Quebec and British Columbia, as well as targeted educational support in Haiti.
Funding activities and types of support
The organization combines hands‑on volunteer service with the redistribution of funds to partner charities and individual beneficiaries. It has worked with Peel Children’s Aid Foundation to provide bursaries that help disadvantaged youth pursue post‑secondary studies. Through a multi‑year agreement with Fondation QHASUQ, Amma Canada finances bursaries for women enrolled in engineering and computer science programs at ISTEAH in Haiti and also funds a daycare on campus so economically challenged parents can study.
Beyond education, Amma Canada directs charitable donations to homelessness services, long‑term care facilities, food security initiatives and family support programs. The 2024 campaign highlights funding for a music therapy program at Bennett Centre Long Term Care in Georgetown, sponsored bursaries via Peel Children’s Aid Foundation, and contributions to organizations such as Welcome Hall Mission in Montréal and various shelters, food banks and outreach programs in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
Publics served and overall impact
Amma Canada’s support targets people experiencing homelessness, at‑risk children and youth, low‑income families, seniors in long‑term care and women pursuing higher education with limited financial means. In addition to monetary contributions, it donates organic vegetables, fruit and honey from its Georgetown farm and orchard to local food banks and charities, and organizes holiday baskets and gifts distributed through partner agencies.
The charity also mobilizes volunteers for soup kitchens, winter respite services, prison meditation programs and other social outreach. Together, these activities position Amma Canada as a small but active funder and community partner, using both grants and in‑kind donations to strengthen front‑line services and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.
History and evolution
Registered as a charity in 2003, Amma Canada grew out of volunteer efforts in the Greater Toronto Area that initially focused on collecting goods and raising funds for established shelters and community organizations. The acquisition of a property in Georgetown in 2008 allowed it to expand its scope, adding a certified kitchen for soup‑kitchen meals, an organic vegetable garden, a large fruit orchard and environmental stewardship activities. Over time, it developed structured bursary partnerships and regular annual donation campaigns, consolidating its role as both a service organization and a philanthropic funder.