Dear Friends of Rayjon,
I am incredibly grateful and proud to be celebrating with you as Rayjon turns 40!
What began in the hearts of two friends who wanted to make a difference has grown into four decades of solidarity in practice. Forty years of showing up, of listening, and of standing alongside communities with care and commitment.
Over these four decades, we have seen remarkable impact. More than 6,500 primary school students have received an education. Over 2,000 adults have become literate. More than 400 women entrepreneurs have accessed small loans to grow their livelihoods. Over 23,400 pairs of prescription glasses have been matched. More than 1,800 students at all levels have received tuition support. Thousands of children have benefited from programs that support their health, learning, and well-being.
Our impact is also felt here in Canada. Hundreds of Rayjon friends have traveled to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, returning as true global citizens. Many more have been inspired by the stories and experiences they bring back, gaining a deeper understanding of how vast, diverse, and inspiring the world can be.
And yet, so much of what matters most cannot be easily counted. How do we measure empowerment? How do we quantify the pride of women in a federation who now run an income generating mill, or the confidence of local leaders who guide projects in their own communities?
More than the outcomes achieved over the last 40 years, what I am most proud of is how Rayjon works. We have evolved. We listen. We adapt. We follow the leadership of our partners. We understand that solidarity is not static, and neither are the communities we work with.
Forty years matters. It speaks to the depth of trust we have built, and to how strongly our community believes in justice, dignity, and global solidarity. As we look to the future, our values remain clear. We will continue to stand alongside our partners as they define their own futures. What does that future look like? The honest answer is that it is still unfolding. What is clear is that our foundation is strong, built on relationships and friendships that guide our work. We value two-way knowledge sharing. We value being active and responsible global citizens. This is how we will continue to work.
Of course, we also hope to grow. Our partners face evolving challenges every day, and we want to remain hand in hand with them as new realities emerge. We know our supporters believe in this shared responsibility as deeply as we do.
There is a feeling in the world right now that the challenges before us are endless. I believe, just as Ray and John believed 40 years ago, that when we work together as connected friends, a better world is possible.
Thank you for being part of Rayjon’s past, present, and future.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Allison Kingston
Executive Director
Rayjon Share Care