— CANADIAN NONPROFIT · EST. 2026

The Ripple Effect. Making a difference

that changes lives.

We Assist Humanitarian Organization (WAHO) provides food, clothing and emergency financial support to Black Canadians and international students facing hardship. Through dignity-centred, community-led programs, we help people stabilize today and build stronger futures tomorrow.

● Next event: Senior Social in North Preston, October 24

— ABOUT US

Restoring dignity.

Meeting needs.

Strengthening futures.

We Assist Humanitarian Organization is a Canadian nonprofit dedicated to reducing basic-needs insecurity among Black Canadians and international students in need. Founded in March 2026 by Yvonne Hay, WAHO provides food, clothing and emergency financial assistance to individuals and families facing economic hardship.

Our approach is dignity-centred and culturally responsive. Basic needs are the foundation for educational success, economic participation and overall wellbeing. By addressing immediate challenges, we help people regain stability and focus on building stronger futures.

Our support is a hand up, not a handout: a meaningful step forward that helps people regain their footing and contribute fully to Canadian society.

OUR MISSION

To reduce basic-needs insecurity among Black Canadians and international students in need by providing equitable access to clothing, nutritious food and emergency financial assistance, while fostering resilience, inclusion and pathways to long-term stability.

OUR VISION

A future where Black Canadians and international students in need live with dignity, stability and opportunity, free from basic-needs insecurity and empowered to thrive as contributing members of society.

"No one should be forced to choose between dignity and survival. Timely access to food, clothing and emergency support can change the course of a life. WAHO exists to meet people where they are, without judgment, and to restore stability, preserve dignity and renew hope."

Yvonne Hay, Founder & Executive Director

— WHO WE SERVE

Standing with those too often overlooked.

Rising living costs, systemic inequities, and limited access to public assistance leave too many people one emergency away from hunger, housing instability, or dropping out of school. We focus our support where the gaps are widest.

Black

Canadians

Individuals and families experiencing low income or transitional hardship.

International Students

Students facing food, clothing or financial insecurity, often far from family and outside traditional safety nets.

Newcomers and Temporary Residents

People new to Canada with limited access to public aid during an emergency.

Individuals and Families in Crisis

Anyone facing a short-term crisis who needs immediate, practical help to get back on their feet.

— WHAT WE DO

Practical help, given with dignity.

Three core programs that meet urgent needs today and lay the foundation for long-term stability.

01 · CLOTHING

Clothing Assistance Program

Free, season-appropriate clothing and essential personal items, provided through community drives, partnerships and distribution events.

02 · FOOD

Food Security Program

Nutritious food hampers and grocery support for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

03 · EMERGENCY AID

Emergency Financial Aid Program

Short-term help for urgent costs such as rent, utilities, transportation and essential academic expenses, so a hard month does not become a crisis.

— THE RIPPLE EFFECT

One act of care travels further than you think.

By meeting immediate needs, we create a ripple effect of positive change: stabilizing individuals, strengthening families, supporting academic success and opening the door to long-term economic and social participation.

1 You Give

A donation, a few hours of your time, or a bag of clothing. Every gift starts the ripple.

2 We Assist

We turn your gift into food hampers, clothing and emergency aid for the people who need it most.

3 Lives Change

Households stabilize, students stay in school, and people build pathways from crisis to opportunity.

— OUR VALUES

What guides our work.

Equity

Fair access to opportunity and essential resources.

Dignity

Every individual deserves respect and compassion.

Integrity

Ethical, transparent operations.

Collaboration

Partnerships that strengthen collective impact.

Compassion

Human-centred service delivery.

— UPCOMING EVENT

Join us at our first community event.

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Our inaugural event

Senior Social in North Preston

📍 North Preston, Nova Scotia [venue TBC] ⏲ [Time TBC]

An afternoon of fellowship, food and connection for the seniors of North Preston, the largest Black community in Nova Scotia. Seniors, families and volunteers are all welcome. Please let us know you are coming.

— GET INVOLVED

Be part of the ripple.

Whether you have an hour, a skill or an organization behind you, there is a place for you at WE ASSIST.

Give your time

Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. No experience needed, just a willing spirit.

Help at community events like the Senior Social
Sort and distribute food and clothing
Drive, mentor, or lend a professional skill

Partner with us

Churches, businesses, schools and community groups can multiply our impact through sponsorship, food drives and shared programs.

Sponsor an event or program
Host a food or clothing drive
Refer people who need support

Donate food and clothing

Gently used clothing and non-perishable food go straight to families who need them. Let us know what you have and we'll arrange drop-off or pickup.

Non-perishable food and toiletries
Clean, seasonal clothing and winter coats
Children's clothing and school supplies

— DONATE

Your gift starts the ripple.

Every gift goes directly toward food, clothing and emergency support for Black Canadians and international students facing hardship. We track and report how every dollar is used.