Nicola Topsom
I was born to newly immigrated parents from the UK in 1974 and grew up in Chilliwack, BC. After high school graduation, I moved to the UK, intending to visit my grandparents for a short time, but stayed for 4 years. My husband Jason and I were married in the UK in 1994 and were part of the Christian Outreach Centre from 1993 until 2011.
We have a special place in our hearts for Haiti as my husband Jason and I were privileged to adopt a beautiful little child in 2010, following the devastating earthquake. We live in Burlington, Ontario with our two internationally adopted daughters, Shantaya, from Malawi, and Divna, from Haiti.
FLORIANA WEDDING DRESS PROJECT
My sister and I founded the Floriana Wedding Dress Project in Haiti and have opened the first “pay what you can” store in Port-au-Prince. Donated wedding, bridesmaid, grad dresses and accessories are rented or sold for whatever price the buyer can afford. We have facilitated wonderful wedding events like one in Cap Haitien, Haiti. It was quite a spectacle – 64 weddings in ONE DAY!
Because I believe that Child Sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty, I am a representative of ChildCare INTERNATIONAL where I present the opportunity to sponsor a child in Haiti and support the Floriana Wedding Dress Project.