Beyond the Boardroom: Witnessing Grassroots Change in Cambodia
In this episode of Ending Poverty Together, host Shelaine sits down with Franz Meier, the Vice Chair of Food for the Hungry Canada’s Board. Fresh from a visit to FH partner communities in Cambodia, Franz shares powerful reflections on what it means to move from reports to reality.From savings groups to clean water projects, Franz saw firsthand how communities are building their own future. He also offers honest insights into the role of governance, the privilege of visiting communities, and why FH’s commitment to leaving well matters so deeply. Listeners will hear why transformation takes time — and why that’s actually a good thing. Franz also discusses how Western culture can learn from Cambodia’s deep sense of community, and why oversight and integrity are essential in development work.Whether you’re curious about international development, passionate about ending poverty, or simply looking for inspiration about what a strong community looks like — this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
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33:16
Journey Partners: Be Part of Something Bigger
In this episode of Ending Poverty Together, Shelaine sits down with Sandra Gamboias, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Food for the Hungry Canada, to talk about the launch of Journey Partners — FH’s new monthly giving community.Sandra shares why Journey Partners is more than a donation program: it’s about walking alongside vulnerable communities like a trusted friend, showing up month after month to help break cycles of poverty and bring lasting transformation.From stories of faith, friendship, and family, to real examples of impact in communities around the world, this conversation explores how small, consistent gifts can create extraordinary change — not just internationally, but in our own lives, too.👉 Learn more about Journey Partners and how you can be part of this movement at https://www.fhcanada.org/journey-partner
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How to talk to kids about poverty
Have you talked to kids about poverty? Of all the things to teach children, this may be far down your list—too complicated, too jarring for their young minds, and too uncomfortable a topic. But poverty, in your neighbourhood or around the world, is simply unavoidable and we should not shirk helping our kids navigate what they see and hear and experience.Kenzie Watson, Pastor of Children’s Ministries at Lambrick Park Church, shares how we adults often needlessly complicate our responses or avoid talking with kids about poverty. Rather, Kenzie pushes us to start the conversation by sharing with kids why facing poverty is important—it's rooted in our call to generously love our neighbors as Jesus does. Kids get this, and their perspectives can be powerful. You may be surprised at how a child will address solutions to poverty.
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31:55
More Than a Meal: Building Trust, Recovery, and Belonging
What’s really happening on the streets of Metro Vancouver and Victoria? In this powerful episode of Ending Poverty Together, Shelaine sits down with Nick Wells, Media Relations Specialist at Union Gospel Mission (UGM), to pull back the curtain on what’s happening—and what’s being done to spark change.With over a decade in journalism, Nick shares gripping stories and raw insights from UGM’s frontlines, where poverty, homelessness, addiction, and a growing affordability crisis are colliding like never before. He unpacks UGM’s philosophy of meeting people where they’re at—through practical compassion and deep-rooted care. From mobile outreach to recovery programs and the surge in food insecurity, Nick paints a vivid picture of both the challenges and the hope.Together, he and Shelaine explore the long road out of poverty—how housing stability, trauma-informed care, peer connection, and community can break generational cycles of hardship and transform lives.This episode is both a sobering look at urgent realities and a hopeful invitation to be part of lasting, community-driven change.
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How caring for creation is also fighting poverty
Talking about creation care and the state of the environment can feel heavy—we’re more often left with doom and gloom and no real way forward. But fear not! Jo Swinney, Director of Communications at A Rocha International, is here to inject hope into the discussion. Jo grew up talking about the environment, gardening, and all things green around the dinner table; her parents were the founders of A Rocha, a Christian, environmental stewardship organization. She has experienced the intricate connection between creation care and the Christian faith. In this episode, Jo shares personal stories from her childhood in Portugal, illustrating the importance of community, hospitality, and how creation care is an act of worship. Jo also touches on the pressing issue of how environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor, underscoring the need for responsible stewardship. Join the conversation as we explore the vital connections between faith, conservation, and community through Jo's inspiring journey and insights.
Let’s talk about poverty—its causes and solutions, and the beautiful, messy attempts people all over Canada are making to help. Listen in as host Shelaine chats with Canadian experts working to overcome poverty.
Together you’ll tackle tough questions, cover hot topics, and hear true stories. Explore with us how ordinary people can create lasting change. What are Canadians doing about poverty in your neighbourhood, across Canada, and around the world? What can YOU do?
https://www.fhcanada.org/podcast
The Ending Poverty Together Podcast is an initiative of Food for the Hungry (FH) Canada, a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to ending poverty – one community at a time. Together with bold Canadian partners, FH Canada walks alongside the most vulnerable communities throughout the developing world as they strive toward sustainability.
Colombia