Debra Weller, spent most of her career in York Region, working for Metroland Media Group as the Regional Sales Director, retiring after 31 years. 

Her passion for children and giving back led her on her current path and creating Global Strides Charity. She attributes the success of the charity to the many wonderful friends made over the years who have joined Global Strides efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of children.     Debra, together with her husband Brian have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

Lois’ career spanned more that 35 years with one of Canada’s leading banks RBC. She worked in a variety of roles in both the retail and corporate setting.

She travelled to Kenya with Deb in 2010 and was inspired by Agnes selflessness and the work she was doing to raise the 14 orphans in her care. 

Lois is married to Aarne and one daughter Christine and a granddaughter Floral.

Barbara Cowl is a passionate and active community volunteer who joined Global Strides Charity in 2017. She is committed to making a difference in the lives of the 14 children who live at Peaceful Children’s Home. Giving back is important to Barbara and you can find her volunteering for Princess Margaret Hospital’s Friends For Life, a program supporting its leukemia division, as well as mentoring cancer patients and their families, Relay for Life, Daffodil sales, and canvassing for donations.

Bruce Espey, CPA is the Director of Business Administration for Metroland Media – Toronto. In 2010, Bruce went to Kenya alongside Debra Weller and Lois Tori. He visited the Peaceful Home for Children Orphanage that started his desire to help the children of this orphanage. Bruce’s goal is to see these children grow up to be educated and active members of their community. As part of this charitable organization, Bruce is committed to assist the lives of the orphaned children of Africa as well as youth in Ontario.

Marketing and sales leadership has been Gord’s focus over his 31-year career with Metroland Media Group, where he helped to develop and nurture a successful marketing and sales culture. 

Under Gord’s direction, his teams launched countless verticals and three Metroland Media community newspapers, including the Vaughan Citizen, Bradford Topic, and King Connection.

Gord has a strong connection to the local community and a drive to make a positive difference.

Denise Furlano is a skin and anti-aging specialist in Markham. She’s the head of Skin by Denise and works with TTM Spa and Markham Medical Spa. Denise enjoys spending her spare time giving back to the community and is very passionate about her work with Global Strides and the Peaceful Children’s Home. She is married with 1 son and 2 dogs that are her constant companions.