FITT’s CITPs have been spanning global markets for over a decade. Involved in every facet of international trade, our CITPs are global leaders in countless disciples, employing their expertise in numerous countries world-wide. FITT is proud of the monumentous influence our CITPs hold globally, including one of our longest standing members, Mr. Joseph Gubbels.
Joe has been a CITP for 10 years. With extensive international experience, Joe’s expertise focuses on market research and the development of marketing and business plans. Although educated in Canada, he spent the earlier part of his career working in Peru. There, he was active in the promotion of education and community development, fostering the advancement of many children through his efforts.
Ismaél Cárdenas Gallardo is a sincere and well presented Peruvian, now working as an Administrator for Amigos de Siempre in Chincha Baja, Peru. He is one of the children who were given an improved foundation by Joe nearly 40 years ago. In 2004, Ismaél found his mentor in Edmonton and convinced him to return to Peru to assist in the development of Chincha Baja – a small community on the West coast.
Joe’s return to Peru, as a volunteer retiree, contributed greatly to the transformation of this community. With his international and business knowledge, Joe worked with the local authorities, community members, and international partners to foster the building and development of two primary schools. Focusing on an underprivileged area, the schools saw dramatic transformations with improved infrastructure, programs, and academic standing. These positive changes extended beyond the school walls, radiating throughout this community.
However, on August 15th, 2007 a magnitude 8.1 earthquake struck only 6km from Chincha Baja. The devastation was horrific, with nearly 90% of the Adobe-constructed buildings destroyed. The only two schools left standing were the ones recently built with Canadian support.
Then in Canada, Joe immediately recognized the critical need of the community and returned to Peru. He began working with Canadian sponsors and the local community to construct common kitchens, classrooms, and shelters to sustain the town. He also raised $25K, which was matched by the Wild Rose Foundation of Alberta, for the rebuilding of Chincha Baja.
Joe assisted the local group Amigos de Siempre in the legitimization of their fundraising program by registering their charity for accountability and standards. Contributions to the rebuilding effort were enormous, facilitated through cooperation of the city council, town mayor, and Rainbow of Hope for Children—a Canadian-based charity aiming to “alleviate suffering and change the structures causing injustice” throughout the world.
Their present project is the Centre for Occupational Education in Chincha Baja. This facility is purposed to “provide a series of sustainable adult educational programs for Peruvian women and men which will lead to equality, self-esteem, personal identity, capacity building and improved employment opportunities”. Bringing positive change and progress to the community, Project Chincha Baja is critical not only in the sustaining of the community but also as an example for the entire country.
Joe’s work is an inspiration to all Canadians, but particularly to those involved at an international level. His dedication to the development of Chincha Baja and work with the Rainbow of Hope for Children Society speaks volumes to his personal and professional commitments.
Rainbow of Hope has a goal of $150,000 to continue support and development in this area. If you are interested in contributing to Project Chincha Baja, we encourage you to contact Joe at: 780.484.5060 / jgubbs@shaw.ca. All contributions raised within Canada will be matched in triplicate by the Canadian International Development Agency.
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