Recipients
Explore the list of 2026 recipients below for more information about their work.
Afretech
Afretech is a small, effective organization that has been working in the Developing World since 1992 and a registered Canadian and US charity since January 2000. Our goal is to help people help themselves. We provide schools with libraries, computers, technology training, and even build schools where there is a great need.
View Thank You LetterAfrican Canadian Education Society
The African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) is a registered charity that has provided scholarships to underprivileged Post Secondary students in Kenya since 1993. Most of our scholars join the ACCES Alumni Association (AAA) to support new students and some of our scholars have come back to work as staff in our Kakamega Kenya office where they run the office and award scholarships.
“Thank you so much for this wonderful news. The ongoing support from the R R Smith Memorial Foundation is very much appreciated. I am happy to share with you that I will be going to Kenya in June to spend a week in Kakamega. It is my first time there and Kevin (our part time executive director) and I will be meeting with our Kenyan partners in the Kakamega region, as well as Nairobi. We will also meet with the executive of the ACCES Scholars’ Foundation, a new alumni association that has been founded to support the work of ACCES. There is more good news. We will be visiting office space that an ACCES alumni, who now works for Unicef in Afghanistan, owns. He will be giving ACCES free use of this space. It will be wonderful to see the difference that ACCES makes in person and the ripple effect of the scholarships. Thanks again.”
Sharon Cohen (ACCES Kenya)
Bard in the Valley
Since its inception in 2009, Bard in the Valley has brought Shakespeare to life every summer, delighting over 25,000 audience members with its performances. Thanks to the support generated from ticket sales at our other venues, we’re able to offer free, or by donation, performances at Douglas Park.
BC Heritage Fairs
The BC Heritage Fairs Society (BCHFS) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that brings kids together to make Canadian history come alive. Heritage Fairs allow students to take a hands-on role in their learning by selecting a topic of interest to them and carrying out a full research project. Students sharpen their critical thinking, master advanced research techniques, and gain invaluable experience in interviewing and evaluating credible sources, empowering them to navigate and analyze complex information with confidence. This project-based learning approach and commitment allows students, teachers, and parents to track the student’s progress and improvement.
Blue Act Marine Society-Sunshine Coast
Together, we can create meaningful change for the health of our ocean. Join us in embracing simple personal actions that can help transform your daily tasks to minimize your environmental footprint and embrace a ‘zero-waste’ lifestyle.
Bright Beginnings Foundation
We believe that everyone deserves to live a poverty-free life. We level the playing field so that Surrey high-school graduates, regardless of family income, have an equal opportunity to attend a post-secondary institution and obtain a career. BBF is working to eliminate generational poverty in families by providing tuition, student fees and educational materials, such as textbooks or tools of the trade. Together, we help some of Surrey’s most vulnerable young adults see a bright future.
British Columbia Conservation Society
British Columbia Conservation Foundation’s vision is for thriving fish and wildlife populations throughout BC. We unite people and resources to support fish and wildlife through education, collaboration and habitat conservation.
https://www.bccf.com/
Canadian Friends of Oaxaca Inc. (CANFRO)
CANFRO is a not-for-profit volunteer organization incorporated in the Province of Ontario and registered as a charity with Canada Revenue Agency. We fund and implement a variety of projects in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. CANFRO remains neutral toward all political and religious organizations.
Download Project Update“Wonderful News! We look forward to reporting on the progress of the student supported by this wonderful funding opportunity. Thanks and muchas gracias!”
Sandra Thomson
Canadian Harambee Education Society
Giving girls the chance to educate themselves.
View Thank You LetterChildren’s Care International
For over 20 years, Children’s Care International has been fighting against children exploitation around the world.
View Thank You LetterCompassion Fruit Society – Literacy
We’re a passionate and diverse group of people who want to make a difference.
What brings us together is our belief that giving children and their families quality education programming, healthy food, and a community of support — to build hope for the future — is one of the most powerful ways to spark meaningful, lasting change for families in developing countries.
Meet some of the people whose amazing contributions keep Project Somos moving forward.
Hello Barb and the RRSMith committee.
I just wanted to send you a quick email update with some pictures of all of our new English books in the bookcase. It’s hard to get a nice photo as the kids normally pull them out as soon as they get in the classroom in the morning! We have 108 new books, and 14 sets of new flashcards – you can see them in a box at the bottom of one of the photos attached.
Our English teacher, Phomolo Tshaka took her time to research and choose the books and flashcards herself, making sure they were the best options to fit into her curriculum, for the right age of the kids and adults she works with. Originally from South Africa, Phomolo Tshaka has spent the past decade in Guatemala, bringing her expertise in education and nutrition to NGOs across Latin America, including Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. A passionate educator and advocate for healthy living, farm life suits her lifestyle well. Beyond the classroom, Phomolo’s love for animals shines through. A certified dog trainer, she previously worked at a dog shelter.
The new bookshelf has bought a new life to the English classroom, adding more interesting things for the kids to pick up and explore. Phomolo is a fantastic teacher and the kids are slowly incorporating English into their day to day life, outside of just practising in the classroom.
Thanks again Barb, my next update will be about the new computers!
Sarah de Lemus
Executive Director
Project Somos Guatemala
Days for Girls Canada
Days for Girls Canada Society is a registered Canadian not for profit and is a Country Affiliate with Days for Girls International. Volunteers across Canada mobilize to increase access to menstrual products and vital health information for women and girls around the world.
Families for Children
Families for Children (FFC) is a non profit, non-sectarian organization that exists to fulfill the needs of children and young adults with physical and/or mental disabilities. By providing housing, education, special medical care and vocational training, FFC helps these individuals to reach their full potential and live with dignity in a loving environment.
For the Love of Africa
We are a not-for-profit humanitarian network that began in 2004, in Victoria, B.C., Canada. We volunteer our time, expertise and efforts, ensuring that 100% of donations goes directly to the causes we support.
We welcome people from around the world to join us in our work, bringing hope by supporting education and health, by empowering women and girls, and by encouraging sustainability in Africa.
Nashipay Maasai Initiatives
The Difference Education Makes…Our Nashipay School
We spoke with Nanda, the young woman on the right, about her experience with Nashipay School, where she completed her primary education. Today, she is working at Maasai Eco Boma Lodge, a project that supports the same school she once attended.
Nanda is amazed by how much the school has grown, both in its infrastructure and in the number of students, teachers, and staff members. She left the school when it was closed by the government due to inadequate facilities. Seeing the transformation today has filled her with pride and joy.
She also noted the strong trust and support that the school has earned from the local community. Nanda is especially happy that she can now work at the Boma Lodge while being able to see her mother’s house from the lodge reception—a meaningful reminder of how close she remains to her roots and community.
More students than ever are attending our school, dreaming big, and feeling the same pride and joy as Nanda. It’s because of YOU that we are able to make these dreams a reality! Thank you!
Today there are over 500 kids who attend Nashipay (which means ‘friendly”) Maasai School.
Health Reach Canada
We believe our role is to assist people to determine their specific needs and then help them understand they have the answers. This makes the solution theirs and because it is theirs, it is sustainable. In this way, people CAN and ARE improving their lives.
Heart for Africa (Canada)
Heart for Africa (Canada) is a faith-based humanitarian organization focused on bringing HOPE to Africa in the areas of Hunger, Orphans, Poverty and Education.
Help Bolivia
Help Bolivia Foundation provides nutrition, education support, psychological counselling and skills training to children and their families in El Alto. See our project pages for more details.
Our vision is to drive change in communities by having children stay in school longer, with increased numbers going to post secondary school and being able to overcome limitations and challenges within their communities such as poverty, child abuse/sexual abuse, child abandonment and learning disabilities.
Humanity & Inclusion
Humanity & Inclusion Canada (HI) supports people with disabilities and those affected by poverty, conflict, and disaster and is one of the only Canadian NGOs specializing in humanitarian demining.
Innovative Communities
We focus on the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of education. But more than that, it is an ongoing exercise in working collaboratively, innovatively, and transparently, in everything that we do, so that we can provide the maximum benefit to those we serve.
https://www.innovativecommunities.org/
“So many thank you’s from the whole community. They are thrilled to have this additional support to be able to purchase additional text books! Please anticipate some information in the coming months to share the impact these funds will have at school!! Ashe – ashe naleng!”
Colleen Hanley
Into All The World
Into All The World began in 1981 when several pastors and lay people met in Kitchener, Ontario to begin a mission enabling society: to enable individuals and churches to fulfill the call of God on their life in the area of missions.
“Thank you so much for this wonderful news! We appreciate your support at this time. There has been an increase in requests for children to attend the school – but we have been short on supplies. This news comes at a wonderful time! We will let you know how the funds are used – and the impact they have. Blessings!”
Andrea Bothwell (IATW)
Kenya Education Endowment Fund (KEEF)
The primary mission of the Kenya Education Endowment Fund (KEEF) is to provide scholarships for very bright students from Kakamega County in Western Kenya who do not have the financial means to pay the fees for secondary and post secondary education. Secondary school fees are $600 or more per year.
In 2020 we are supporting 120 secondary school students and about 30 students in post secondary programs.
Life Changing Technologies
Coming Soon!
Love Guatemala (Comm. to Every Nation)
CTEN is a servant organization which helps missionaries fulfill the unique vision God has given them. Through administrative support we provide accountability and help the missionary get to the field. Through pastoral care we help them remain effective and healthy while there.
https://www.cten.org/guatemala
“You have no idea the timing of this donation. Thank you so very much. Blessings!”
Judy Bergen (Love Guatemala Canada)
Marpole Oakridge Family Place Society
Marpole Oakridge Family Place is a not-for-profit organization which has been supporting families, grandparents, caregivers and children since 1978.
Our purpose is to promote the health and well-being of the community and nurture strong family connections within it. Our wide range of programming offers dependable resources and a diverse community for children, seniors, and everyone in between!
Hello R R Smith,
On behalf of everyone at Marpole Oakridge Family Place Society, thank you for your generous grant of $2,000. We are sincerely grateful for your support of our early learning programs and for investing in the children and families we serve.
Your funding was used to purchase STEM educational equipment for our Play and Learn Preschool (PAL) program. These resources have expanded opportunities for hands-on learning and are now being used across multiple early childhood and family programs, allowing us to maximize the impact of your contribution.
The new STEM materials encourage children to explore, problem-solve, build, and experiment through play while developing foundational skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They also strengthen fine motor development, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and early numeracy—skills that are essential for kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.
Because these resources are shared across several programs, a greater number of children and families are benefiting from them, including low-income families, newcomers, and those who may have limited access to quality educational materials at home. Parents and caregivers are also engaging alongside their children, reinforcing learning through play and supporting early childhood development in meaningful ways.
Please see the attached photos for a glimpse of some of the STEM equipment in use. It has been wonderful to see the children’s enthusiasm and engagement as they explore, create, and learn through these hands-on experiences.
Your generosity has helped us create richer, more engaging learning environments that foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Thank you for partnering with us to support young children during these important early years. We truly appreciate your investment in our community and the lasting difference it is making for the families we serve.
All the best,
Tracy Beshara | Executive Director
Marpole Oakridge Family Place
8188 Lord Street, Vancouver, BC V6P 0G8
t: 604 263 1405
Niteo Africa Society
Niteo Africa is a Kelowna based registered charity dedicated to furthering child and family literacy through local and global partnerships. It is together that we are able to impact literacy equity in our global village.
“Thank you for this great news to begin my day! I leave for Uganda on May 6th and I look forward to sharing updates with you on how the supplies will impact the Gulu Reading Club program. Thank you to you and your board for taking the time to go through all the applications – you are making a difference!”
Antonia De Boer
One Girl Can
One Girl Can gives some of the world’s most vulnerable, high-potential girls a chance to rise above extreme poverty and gender inequality. Through education, training, and mentoring, girls are empowered to achieve their goals, earn a meaningful living, and build better lives — for themselves, their families, and their communities.
“Thank you very much for your response and decision to continue to support One Girl Can and help fund a university girl’s tuition.”
Martina Ivsak (Executive Director)
Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Real Humanitarian
Helping at-risk youth around the world reach their highest potential and break the cycle of poverty.
Read Our Annual Report Read Our Field ReportRight to Learn Afghanistan
We exist to make the right to education a reality for Afghan women and girls.
View Thank You LetterSTEP International
STEP International is a registered Canadian charity. Our vision is education for destitute children in Odisha, West Bengal and Assam states of northern India.
Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible education to children from all backgrounds. We commit to equip the teachers, students and the schools with resources and training.
We are indeed grateful to R. R. Smith Memorial Foundation for the grant for the purchase of materials for the library. With your financial help, STEP International selected schools in West Bengal and Assam states of India to help with resources for their library and students. With the funds from R. R. Smith Foundation, we provide various education books and materials to the 300 students in the elementary sections. We were able to purchase textbooks for the children who cannot afford books for the current school academic year. We will continue to strengthen the schools that are helping children in remote places.
We thank you for your valuable support for the grant!
Spinoza Literacy
The Spinoza Foundation is a Non-profit organization operating in Uganda with a passion about the capability and strength of Ugandan (and African) communities. Using a multi-dimensional approach, The Spinoza Foundation believes that human, social, political, and economic development is feasible. Through the Uganda Goat Livelihood project, the Foundation hopes to provide sustainable assistance to families of vulnerable children and youth in Uganda through entrepreneurship and agriculture.
Tumaini Fund Canada
“Tumaini” is Swahili for hope and the Tumaini Fund is bringing support and hope for a better future to AIDS orphans widows and poor families in the Dioceses of Kagera, Lweru, Biharamulo and Kibondo, in the north-west region of Tanzania.
Tostan Canada
Tostan is an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Dakar, Senegal that currently has programming in 5 West African countries. For over 30 years, the organization has been creating different ways for rural communities to take charge of their own development through grassroots educational programming.
Umoja Operation Compassion Society
We are a newcomer settlement and charitable organization formed in 2002 to work with recent immigrants and refugees of all cultural backgrounds living in Surrey, BC.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity and the donation. This amount will go a long way in improving the academic life of the Kids at the rwentutu community school in Uganda. We appreciate your support over the years.”
Dr. Amos Kambere
Wonderful World of Books
95 year old Qualicum Beach resident, Eva Hilborn, created The Wonderful World of Books because she believes that reading with children builds lifelong language skills and a love for learning. Studies have shown that children who have a home library growing up have greater chances of success in adulthood. Eva believes that the 24 books they will receive through her foundation will set them up to succeed in life.
https://thewonderfulworldofbooks.com/
“This grant for Wonderful World of Books is greatly appreciated. We have just expanded to include babies to 4 year olds in our delivery.”
Cathy Van Herwaarden
