Who we are
We are a central Alberta based international development organization founded in 1990, supported and managed entirely by a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to improving lives.

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

Our 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

Our History

A Better World was established in 1990 as part of the College Heights Adventist church 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. 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.

2010 Our 20th Anniversary

A Better World started out as an annual Christmas gift to the world for ten years by 100 families of the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church, Lacombe, Alberta. It now has completed its second decade involving partnerships with community businesses, 16 schools, 5 churches of other affiliations, and many private individuals, all helping to exceed the founders’ imagination in what has been accomplished.

A Better World is an international humanitarian organization founded in 1990 under the leadership of Brian Leavitt and Eric Rajah, residents of Lacombe, Alberta. Its mission is to reduce poverty in Third World countries through education, infrastructure, health, food security, and income-generating projects. The original goal was to fund ten projects in developing countries, each under $5,000.

The first project, in 1990, involved the construction of a physiotherapy centre in Kendu Bay, Kenya with Ted Proud of Lacombe, a missionary there, as the project overseer. Upon completion of the centre, retired Canadian physiotherapist Ken Hill from Nova Scotia organized and equipped the centre and trained local staff. As a result many children gained mobility through surgery and physiotherapy, as well as an education. The Kenyan government has supported the centre by providing physiotherapists. ADRA Canada was a major partner in this venture.

By the year 2000, A Better World had funded 12 projects — not just ten as originally proposed — with a total value of over $500,000. The question was whether to discontinue A Better World or present a new proposal to the congregation. The College Heights church board voted that A Better World should continue as a humanitarian arm of the church.

In November 1999, Eric invited Gary Gant, owner of Westridge Cabinets of Red Deer, to join him and three others to tour some of the project sites in Kenya and in particular the physiotherapy centre in Kendu Bay. Gary was deeply inspired. He generously provided tools needed for rehabilitation and vocational training, and pledged money to pay for two additional meals per day for a year for the children. Gary shared his enthusiasm with a fellow business friend, Gord Bontje of Laebon Homes in Red Deer, who also made a commitment and continued to introduce many to the work of A Better World.

From here on A Better World continued to amass a broad financial support team so that as many as 12 projects a year could be realized. Since 1999 more than 1000 people have traveled all over the world to oversee projects, to have “hands on” experience and to plan for future projects. Coming from a vast array of backgrounds, these individuals, with their skills and compassion, are ready to further improve lives in many countries.

As A Better World celebrates its 20th Anniversary, hundreds of communities, thousands of children and at least 15 countries have benefitted and now live a better life.