Who We Are

The Charity of Hope has granted wishes that have given hope to thousands of children, youth and their families since 1996.  We provide funding to schools and teachers to help students stay engaged and thrive in school. Community organizations count on our support and funding for their programs that help underprivileged children and youth. In addition, we also provide acts of hope through funding to children and families that need immediate support. 

The Charity of Hope is a lean organization with more than 90% of all dollars raised going back to the cause.  Our generous team of volunteers and business partners come together because we believe that everyone has the right to achieve their hopes and dreams.  Together, with our partners we have raised over one million dollars for those in need in our community.

Vision, Mission & Values

Our Vision

To grant wishes that will give hope to children and youth in need in communities across Canada.

Our Mission

To generate resources through fundraising initiatives and community partnerships, and use those funds to make an impact in the lives of children.

To attract volunteers and partners who are passionate about helping children achieve their hopes, dreams and full potential.

To transform communities through helping children, youth and their families who need support.

Our Values: H.O.P.E.

H – Honour and Compassion

O – Openness and Integrity

P – Partnerships and Community

E – Excellence and Passion

Our Founder & Board

A message from the founder, Sam Mercanti

“Hope has made a difference in our life. Now it’s time to bring hope to others”.

My parents, siblings, and I immigrated to Canada from Italy in 1956. The main reason that my parents
decided to do this was to create a better opportunity and lifestyle for their children. We moved to a
very small house in Hamilton, Ontario located in the north end of the city. Life was hard for my
parents, but with their determination and hard work, we established a good life. Along with my
brothers and sister, I was always taught to work hard, to give back to those in need, and to never give
up hope for the future.

The concept of this charity started amongst our friends at our local YMCA. After some of our feisty
handball games, we would collect $5 dollars from everyone and donate it to a child or a family that
was in need. Then we started a bank account and began to help with requests through word of
mouth. The first child we helped was an underprivileged immigrant girl who was in need of a pair of
boots for winter. It seemed very small, but not to her. We gave her more than just a pair of boots. We
gave her a ray of hope that someone cares and the assurance that the world is filled with good
people.

We finally decided to make this charity official and give it a name: “The Charity of Hope”. It is our goal
to increase the size of the charity each year so we can help more children in need.

Together we can make a difference and bring a little ray of hope to a lot of children.

Charity of Hope Board

  • Sam Mercanti – Ex-Officio
  • Daniele Dagenais – Ex-Officio
  • Jennifer Mercanti – Chair
  • Erik Ferrara – Vice-Chair
  • George Lamparski – Secretary/Treasurer
  • Lisa Mercanti-Ladd – Director
  • Dennis Concordia – Director
  • PJ Mercanti – Director
  • Michael Macaluso – Director
  • Julie Lamparski – Director
  • Andrea Gordon – Director
  • Guy D’Alesio – Director
  • Sid Stacey – Director
  • Jennifer Stebbing – Director
  • Francesca Rollo – Director