Hope can, and will, save the world
THE HOPE FOR MALAWI FOUNDATION INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ELAINE ZAKRESKI
Cofounder
Elaine Zakreski graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Education. She worked the bulk of her career in early childhood education as a teacher and consultant. She has touched the lives of many children and teachers. In 1995 she established the Family Centers for Saskatoon Greater School Board and with her husband, Peter, established the Zakreski Trust Fund administered by Saskatoon Community Foundation. She has authored a book, “Hope For The Journey”, and donated the proceeds from her book sales to the Zakreski Trust Fund to support families. She is a founder and long time board member of Columbus Bosco Homes. She has completed certification as a Yoga instructor. She is a graduate of the Spiritual Direction program and
the School of Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Elaine co-founded Hope For Malawi with her husband, Peter. She and Peter were awarded the Red Cross Humanitarian Award for their work in Malawi in 2019. She is a student of watercolour, an active member of St. Anne’s parish and volunteer to the aged and infirm. She is a mother of four and grandmother of five.
CORI KOLBECK
HFM Board Member
I am a teacher by profession and a mother of three amazing children—who are my priority.
In 2015 I attended a Hope for Malawi presentation at my daughter’s school. I came away touched and felt like Elaine had been speaking directly to me—I knew I had to go to Malawi! That year, Jaclyn (11 years old at the time) and I joined Peter and Elaine along with a small group of volunteers for their trip to Malawi. The experience was overwhelming, we were so fortunate and blessed to experience the love and openness of the people, while witnessing the wonderful efforts and results of the Hope for Malawi Foundation.
We came home full of energy and desire to help with Hope for Malawi. I joined as a board member, embraced by the love and support of Peter and Elaine. Jaclyn and I returned to Malawi in the summer of 2018, this time with my husband Mike, our nine-year-old son Mason, and our nephew Drayden Kolbeck. The experience was truly life-changing for our little family, our eyes were opened once again to the peace and love that surrounded us —found amongst the poorest people in the world.
It has truly been an honor to be part of such a wonderful Foundation, it brings great joy to my entire family.
TROY LINSLEY
HFM Board Member
I work at the University of Saskatchewan as Director of Facilities and have previous experience sitting on various volunteer boards. Malawi is a very special place for our family. My father-in-law, Gordon Sellar, was born in Zomba, Malawi. He was trained as a livestock officer and worked closely with farmers in many communities to develop sustainable farming practices in order to develop cattle herds and related economies. My mother-in-law, Ghislaine Sellar, moved to Mzimba, Malawi in the late 1960’s and developed a mobile clinic where she used her nursing training to support many remote villages. My brother-in-law was born in Blantyre. In 2002, my wife, Marie Sellar, and I traveled to Malawi as tourists to visit many of the places that her parents had told us so many stories about. We were amazed at the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the people that we met. We also learned of the many challenges so many in Malawi experience every day. Our family has been involved with HMFI almost since the beginning, and in 2018 we returned with our two sons, Nathaniel and Samuel, to visit the many villages that HMFI supports all of which are very close to Zomba. I am honored and privileged to be part of the HMFI board and the important work that it does to support so many in Malawi.
CAROL YELLAND
HFM Board Member
I am a retired Dental Hygienist / Therapist. I work currently for a medical office. I have served on
several volunteer boards. They include Persephone Theatre board for 4 years, St. Paul’s Hospital Mistletoe committee for 13 years , 9 as chair. I have been on the Hope For Malawi Board since 2016
I served on my professional Association for several years as well. I am married, we have 3 Adult children & 2 grandchildren.
I like to stay active with walking, skiing, playing pickle ball & painting.
TERRY ZAKRESKI
HFM Board Member
I have been a lawyer for over thirty years and a partner in my firm, Stevenson Hood Thornton Beaubier LLP, for over twenty years. I have experience before all levels of courts in Saskatchewan and numerous tribunals. I have trial and appeal experience before the Federal Court of Canada and have appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada. My current litigation focus is in commercial and agricultural law, product liability, personal injury, malpractice and intellectual property. I have been a trade-mark agent for over twenty years. I also teach trial advocacy at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law as a sessional lecturer. I have been on the Board of Directors of Hope For Malawi Foundation Inc. since its inception and helped it become a registered Canadian charity. I find my work on the Board to be highly rewarding and am proud to continue the work my father started. I am committed to helping the Foundation realize its goals. I live in Saskatoon with my wife, daughter and four yappy dogs.