We are a Central Alberta based international development organization supported and managed by a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to improving lives in developing countries for over 20 years

• We are an “investment” group - Investing in people not just giving
• Our management and executive directors are 100% volunteers
• Our donors are directly involved in projects – we take them to see the returns on their investment

What We Do

We have chosen five areas that help improve lives:

Education

We build schools, train teachers, put in computer labs, desks

Health

We build clinics, train health care workers, supply equipment, provide for surgery and rehab services

Water

We invested in a drilling rig to drill water and implement water delivery systems

Agriculture

We support small scale gardens, provide tools and water and train farmers

Income Generation

We provide small loans and training to create small businesses

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How We Do It

We work with local communities for long periods of time to ensure at least three of the five elements listed above are functioning. We remain in a community from 5 to 10 years.

We engage volunteers in Canada from all walks of life to manage projects and monitor projects, make annual visits to our communities and prepare reports of the progress.

We ask the community and local governments to provide all operating expenses and manage the projects on a day to day basis thus not making them dependant on us for the long term.

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Why We Are Unique

We view our organization as an investment company.  Instead of giving, we invest. We expect a return in improved lives. We watch our investment grow. We expect the community to invest by asking them to contribute cash, labour and local materials.

Our management and directors are volunteers.  They also pay their expenses to travel and monitor projects. We have one full time person to look after our incoming money. We have two part time people who look after the outgoing money and assist with office work.  We have a part time youth worker.

Our office space is donated along with furniture and computers.  To pay our small staff and other expenses we raise non project donations and consider these expenses like a project. Some of our donors pay those expenses or agree to pay an amount of their donations to run the organization.

We take people to see our projects and engage them in giving their skills that are not readily available in developing countries.  Over 2000 people (as of 2011)  have turned their vacation into humanitarian service and have spent time at our project sites.

Our youth are important in making A Better World. We have created a student division called “Tomorrows’ EDGE – Students today, Leaders tomorrow”.  Specific projects are undertaken by University and High School students.  We have specific trips for them twice a year with mentors to help them develop leadership skills in humanitarian causes.

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History, Governance & Tax Status

A Better World was established in 1990 as part of the College Heights Adventist church ( on the Campus of Canadian University College)  in Lacombe, Alberta and focused on a few small international projects. It has since grown to include people from all walks of life dedicated to improving lives without regard to ethnic, political or religious association. It works in places such as Tibet, Bolivia, and India, while maintaining a focus on projects in Eastern Africa. The church has adopted A Better World as one of many humanitarian activities it governs. The board of the College Heights Church governs the strategic directions and has appointed a steering committee to oversee the day to day operations.

Charitable Receipts are issued by the College Heights Adventist Church  CRA#106693047RR0019. You can mark your gift for A Better World  and specify a project from the project list.

This partnership allows A Better World to operate with minimal costs as the church provides for all accounting, auditing and management functions. It also provides additional funding for projects through its affiliation with other aid agencies. Everyone is welcome to participate in A Better World activities to help improve lives at home and abroad.

Our Vision

Our vision is to help create a better world by inspiring people and organizations to become involved in the pursuit of improving lives.

Mission - Innovative Action to Improve Lives

Our mission is to deliver sustainable foundations needed to improve lives, in partnerships with local community leaders, development organizations and government ministries.

Our Values

Encouraging Self Dependence

Endorsing Lasting Solutions

Ensuring Accountability