www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, April 23, 2015 | 6 Messenger to carry World Vision forward by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver Spotlight "Connected to your Community" A away. He worked for the humanitarian relief, advocacy and development organization in Toronto and Geneva from 1990 until 1995, before heading to law school at University of Toronto. He practised law in Halifax for nine years. But even during that time, Messenger served on World Vision's Canadian board of directors for more than three years. Now, on June 1, he will take over as president and chief executive of cer from Dave Toycen, who is retiring. Messenger returned to World Vision Canada in 2007 as vice-president of public affairs and since 2010, he has been the organization's chief operating of cer and executive vicepresident. "I am so deeply passionate about the cause that World Vision is about -- helping children facing poverty and injustice. It is a chance to have really purposeful work. It's more than work, it's a calling for me," said Messenger, who lives in Oakville with his wife, Yvonne, and two teenagers, Aidan and Annie. He is a board member of The Meeting House church, Tyndale University College and Seminary and the Burloak Canoe Club. For six years, he has participated in the Courage Polar Bear Dip, which is run by local brothers Todd and Trent Courage to support World Vision Canada. World Vision Canada is dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. This includes emergency relief, as well as working with communities on projects to provide long-term solutions to poverty, including through its child sponsorship program. The organization also advocates on behalf of children locally and internationally. "In my new role, I am happy to have the chance to contribute to an even greater extent to our vision, which I nd so compelling," Messenger said. "As long as there is one more child, one more family, one more community in need, our job won't be done." And Toycen is con dent Messenger can do that job. fter working as an intern for World Vision Canada right out of university, Michael Messenger just couldn't stay In my new role, I am happy to have the chance to contribute to an even greater extent to our vision, which I nd so compelling. As long as there is one more child, one more family, one more community in need, our job won't be done. Michael Messenger World Vision Canada Michael Messenger | photo courtesy of World Vision "I've had the privilege of knowing Michael for more than 25 years. We've worked closely for the past ve years and I have tremendous con dence in his character, integrity, passion for our work and his ability to lead World Vi- sion Canada into an extraordinary future," said Toycen. But Messenger knows he will face some challenges. "The old ways of reaching out to people aren't as effective as they used to be. But there is also an opportunity to take advantage of these new ways, using social media and customizing the experience people have when they engage with World Vision," he said. "The ways people engage with organizations is changing. There is a higher expectation of accountability and quicker responses. They want to be more part of the action. I embrace these challenges but they are challenges. We want to make the connection as real as possible for supporters to know their funds are making a difference in the lives of kids." Messenger says the situations World Vision Canada responds to are also changing. "They are increasingly found in places of con ict, where traditional models are hard to program for long-term development. We need to ensure the work we do is helping to meet those changing needs so we can continue to reach the children." Messenger has visited dozens of countries with World Vision Canada, which he says motivates him when he is back in the of ce. "It certainly brings a deep understanding of the challenges children and families face. It encourages me to see how dedicated our staff is and to see the hope kids have, even in the most vulnerable places. "When I visited the Philippines in 2013 after Typhoon Haiyan, the devastation was unbelievable. Communities were attened by the force of the storm. At the same time, to see communities coming around their kids and kids playing and laughing amidst the destruction and people caring for each other, that gave me hope. I see hope for the future for these kids. I believe it is there." Volume 53 | Number 32 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington (905) 845-3824 Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone (416) 340-1981. 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