About Us - Amal Foundation

Where Hope Becomes Action and Every Ability Is Celebrated.

Millions of children with disabilities move through a world that isn’t always built for them. They aren't seeking sympathy or miracles, just their right to live full, joyful, and meaningful lives. At the Amal Foundation, we are grounded in hope and believe it's something each of us has the power to share.

Become a Hope Partner Today

Our Story

IT ALL BEGAN WITH A SIMPLE QUESTION: "WHAT IF?"

In 2012, a small group of friends in Montreal asked a simple but powerful question:

“What if we could turn our shared dream of giving back into real change for children with disabilities?”

That simple question became the Amal Foundation. What began as a grassroots effort quickly grew into a movement across Canada and the U.S. “Amal” means hope in Arabic, reflecting our belief in every child’s limitless potential. From day one, our unwavering goal has been to empower children with disabilities and nurture their hope and joie de vivre.

Our Vision: The Future We Imagine

An inclusive world where every child belongs and all abilities are celebrated.

Our Mission: Turning Vision Into Action

Enriching the lives of children with disabilities through inclusion, empowerment, and care.

The H.O.P.E. Model: Your Impact, Amplified

When you support Amal, you’re activating a powerful engine for change that we call the H.O.P.E. model. This is how your generosity creates a ripple effect:

H – eighten Awareness

We shine a light on the disabilities affecting children aged 0-17, fostering understanding and a more supportive society.

O – rganize Interactive Events

Our memorable, themed events celebrate local culture and current trends, proving that philanthropy can be both meaningful and fun.

P – rovide Financial Support

We carefully vet and fund trusted partner charities, ensuring your contribution transparently goes to where it will do the most good.

E – mpower a New Generation

We’re not just solving for today; we’re building the philanthropists of tomorrow. By engaging young donors, we ensure that this legacy of hope and action continues for generations. Your belief inspires others to believe.

Meet the People Behind the Mission

Our strength lies in our people. We are a diverse network of professionals, volunteering our skills and expertise to drive meaningful change and bring Amal’s mission to life.

Juan Luis Martinez Esquivias

Director of Operations

Juan Luis Martinez Esquivias is a seasoned procurement and operations expert with a deep commitment to social impact. Originally from Mexico, he holds a Bachelor in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Systems Engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology, and an MBA from the John Molson School of Business. With over a decade of experience at leading organizations—including General Motors, Schneider Electric, Bombardier Aviation, and Enerkem Inc.—Juan Luis has led multimillion-dollar supplier negotiations and implemented strategic sourcing initiatives. Since 2012, Juan Luis has been an active volunteer with the Amal Foundation, contributing his leadership and compassion to support its mission. His ability to blend professional excellence with meaningful service reflects his core values of integrity, empathy, and purpose-driven action.

Sherin Al-Safadi

Co-Founder, President

Passionate about transforming oncology care, Sherin has devoted her pharmaceutical drug development career to helping people with cancer live longer, fuller lives. Rooted in compassion and a profound sense of social responsibility, she co-founded Amal to empower children with disabilities, ensuring her commitment to giving back creates lasting impact and meaningful change.

Roula Challah

Marketing and Events Committee Chair

An experienced event planner with a passion for creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. As Event Chair at Amal Foundation, she focuses on crafting events that support the foundation’s mission while engaging and inspiring the community to make a lasting impact.

Marco Discepola

Director of Business Development

A leader in business development, logistics and strategy, Marco brings a hands-on approach rooted in a lifetime of philanthropic work. He spearheads international growth and builds impactful community events, connecting new audiences to Amal’s mission. Driven by a deep personal connection to the cause, stemming from his own family’s journey with cancer, he passionately continues a philanthropic legacy instilled in him by his parents from a young age.

Jenny Therriault-Tanzer

Co-Founder, Vice President

As a sales leader with roots in advertising and marketing, and through her collaboration in her family’s industrial business, Jenny balances corporate leadership with entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Personable and spirited, she channels her contagious energy into building connections that inspire and create impact.

Our Partners

This Is Where Your Story Meets Theirs

Right now, a child with a disability is facing a challenge that might seem insurmountable. But you have the power to be the turning point in their story.

You can give them more than just aid. You can give them confidence through a new skill, joy through an adapted playground, or hope through a supportive community. You are not just funding a program; you are gifting a possibility.

Choose your role in their story:

I Want to Donate & Create an Impact

I'm Ready to Attend an Event

Tell Me How My Company Can Help

Together, let's build a world where hope grows and every ability shines.