Local Young Philanthropist Helps Transform Lives in Africa

Victoria student donates dog sitting money to international charity Mercy Ships Canada

Since the pandemic, Mercy Ships Canada, the Canadian office of global charity Mercy Ships, do not experience many visitors to their Victoria, B.C. office. Yet, a week before Christmas, Mercy Ships Canada office staff were busily engaged in their duties when the front door suddenly opened and in walked an engaging young leader named Julie Van Domselaar and her mother, Christine!

Julie Van Domselaar and puppy
Julie Van Domselaar and puppy
 Julie reached out to one of our staff members with an envelope in her hand and said "Here is a donation to help people in Africa; I saved up my money from dog sitting and would like to share it with Mercy Ships Canada." She went on to say “I chose Mercy Ships because they help those in need and because 2.Corinthians 9:7, 8 tells us to be cheerful givers."

With a small open office, other staff members could not resist standing up to see this remarkable young person whose philanthropic leadership resulted in her donating her hard-earned money to people in great need of free surgeries.

Mercy Ships Canada staff were touched to receive Julie's donation at a time when many young people may be tempted to focus on the gifts they would be receiving at Christmas. Yet, during such an inspirational moment, they could feel the generous heart of a cheerful giver, which reminds us all there are many ways we can follow the 2000-year-old model of Jesus.

 Mercy Ships Canada staff have reflected on this young leader's poise, grace and authentic act of generosity that entrusted us to help solve the global surgical crises one patient at a time.

 As we enter 2023, Julie's leadership serves as a beacon of philanthropic generosity that helps advance the cause of health justice. It demonstrates that every action can bring hope and healing to people who cannot afford or do not have access to surgeries or other medical procedures. 

 Mercy Ships Canada thanks God for Julie, her family and all our partners in 2023. You bless us, so we, in turn, may bless others in the year ahead.

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ABOUT MERCY SHIPS

Global health for the last two decades has focused on individual diseases, while surgical care in low-resource countries has not received the attention it needs. Lack of surgical care results in almost 17 million deaths annually.

Mercy Ships is an international faith-based organization that operates hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, medical capacity building, and health system strengthening to those with little access to safe surgical care. Since 1978, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 countries, with the last three decades focused entirely on partnering with African nations. Each year, volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to the cause. Mercy Ships has offices in 16 countries and an Africa Bureau. For more information, visit www.mercyships.ca and follow us @MercyShips on social media. ​

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kornelia Eisfeld

Manager Marketing and Donor Relations

Mercy Ships Canada

[email protected]

 

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