Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by Johann Van Rensburg
In the heart of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—one of the world’s most dangerous and overlooked conflict zones, a quiet miracle unfolded this past Christmas.
At Grace Orphanage, nestled in the town of Uvira, children once displaced by war, famine, and loss found themselves not only receiving love and care but also giving it. Thanks to the faithful support of donors and volunteers through the International Widows and Orphans Fund (iWOF), 2023 ended not in despair, but in celebration.
This is a story of hope rising from hardship, of children who have suffered unimaginable loss yet extend generosity to others, and of a small but powerful community that proves every dollar truly changes lives.
From an Urgent Plea to a Movement of Compassion
The story of iWOF began with a simple, desperate email.
An orphanage director in eastern DRC wrote to a friend with news that 38 children had been forced to flee into the forest to escape rebel violence. The message was clear: “We need help, or these children will not survive.”
That cry became a call to action. It birthed the International Widows and Orphans Fund, a Canadian-based nonprofit founded out of pure compassion, designed to support those who fall through the cracks of global aid systems.
Over a decade later, iWOF continues to serve in one of the most unstable and underserved regions of the world, where militia violence, poverty, and displacement have left thousands of widows and children at risk.
A Year of Gratitude: 2023 in Review
As we look back on 2023, one truth stands out: we could not have achieved this without you.
Through your donations, whether large or small, lives were fed, homes were maintained, education continued, and a sense of dignity was restored to those who have so little.
The children and staff of Grace Orphanage extend their heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who gave. Your generosity has humbled us and reminded us that love truly knows no borders.
Feeding the Forgotten: A Hand Extended to Widows
In many communities across the DRC, widows are among the most vulnerable. Often without income, protection, or family support, these women struggle daily to feed their families—if they have anything left at all.
In December, the children and staff of Grace Orphanage shared food packages with 54 widows from the surrounding Uvira region. The packages were modest—primarily rice, enough to last a couple of weeks—but for these women, it meant the difference between survival and starvation.
This simple act of giving reflects the spirit of Grace Orphanage: those who have received compassion extending it to others.
We dream of growing this effort into a full feeding program, reaching more widows and children in need. With your help, that dream is possible.
A Community Christmas Like No Other
While many around the world mark Christmas with gifts and abundance, in Uvira, just one hot meal can be a blessing. This past Christmas, the children of Grace Orphanage helped to serve over 500 meals to members of the local community—individuals and families who otherwise would have gone without.
The celebrations were vibrant and joyful. There was song and dance, with performances by the children and choirs from neighboring churches and schools. Grace Orphanage transformed into a place not only of refuge but of shared celebration.
This beautiful day was made possible by generous contributions from iWOF donors and partners like Misionkids, whose kindness brought smiles to countless faces.
For children who have known far too much loss, it was a chance to simply be children—to laugh, sing, serve, and experience the warmth of community.
First Christmas for 16 New Girls: A Moment of Belonging
For 16 young girls, 2023 marked their very first Christmas at Grace Orphanage.
Having joined the orphanage in February, they were among the newest members of the iWOF family. Many had never celebrated a holiday before. That changed this year, when they received brand-new outfits—beautiful dresses donated and chosen with care.
The look of joy and wonder on their faces as they opened their gifts was unforgettable. For the first time in a long time—or perhaps ever—they felt seen, loved, and included.
Fiscal Stewardship: 100% Volunteer-Run, Always Accountable
At iWOF, we believe deeply in transparency and stewardship.
Every donation you give goes directly toward serving widows, orphans, and vulnerable families in the DRC. We are 100% volunteer-run, with no paid staff. This means our fundraising expenses are kept at an absolute minimum, allowing us to maximize your impact on the ground.
Whether you donate $20 or $2,000, you can be confident that your contribution is used wisely—and that it truly makes a difference.
If you’re planning to support our work, remember that donations received by December 31st are eligible for a 2023 income tax receipt. You can give securely via:
- Cheque or cash
- E-transfer to info@iwof.ca
- Online at iwof.ca/donate
For any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help.
Looking Ahead: 2024 and Beyond
While we celebrate the victories of 2023, we remain deeply aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
The need is great. Thousands of children in eastern DRC remain displaced, hungry, and without access to education or medical care. Widows continue to struggle in isolation. The region remains unstable, and humanitarian efforts are often underfunded or overlooked.
But we do not lose heart.
We are committed to growing our reach, expanding feeding programs, welcoming more children into Grace Orphanage, and offering support to widows across the region. And we know that with your continued support, anything is possible.
