Founder/Executive Director

Sam Welten

Sam is one-of-a kind.  If you've met him, you understand why we'd begin his introduction this way. And if you haven't yet met him - you are in for a treat. He is a passionate, extremely generous man with a BIG sense of humour. If there is a "typical" way to do something, Sam will do it differently - he's a true "out-of-the-box" thinker and dreamer. His passion and uniqueness colours the way PI works and our approach to philanthropy. 
We decided that a brief interview with Sam would be a great way to introduce him.
Start by telling us some general background information about you.
 
My wife, Vee and I have been married for 38 years.  We have three sons who we are incredibly proud of! Greg is 35, and Dean and Scott(twins) are 33. Presently, Greg lives in New Brunswick and is serving in our Military. Scott, lives in Ontario and is serving in our military as well, is married to Anna, and has our two adorable granddaughters, Rachel and Leah. Dean is married to Rebecca and they live in Petrolia, both have jobs and serve as the Young Adult leaders at their local church.
I started PI in September 2005 and have traveled in many areas of the world, with the privilege of bringing hope and dignity!  There is nothing I love more.  I am also currently serving as Senior Pastor of New Life Assembly in Petrolia, ON.  I have a passion to inspire a whole new generation to realize how great it can be to reach out with, what we see is so little and come along side someone else and be a part of restoring their hope.  I know it is a life changing experience for everyone and I'm never disappointed! 
What do you do in your spare time? 
I love hanging out with my wife...basically doing anything. Yes, that’s right...even shopping.  I love fishing, and the outdoors, and in the fall I can be found officiating high school football on most Thursday and Friday afternoons.
You are known as a bit of a "character" - how do you think your friends would describe you? 
I would hope they would says things like funny, generous, upbeat, positive.
People have often heard you refer to your job as "the best gig on the planet".  What do you love most about your job?   
I love seeing people lives changed by a simple donation by someone here in Canada, the US or in the UK!  I love watching the dignity that can be restored to a child when they pick out their own shoes.  I love watching people that travel on trips get upset at the injustice and then watch them as they find out that they can help a person/family for very little.  Okay, let’s get serious....I love it baby!  That is what I am talking about!
What's one of your favourite "Dream Fulfilled" stories? 
One?  That’s it?  Lol!  I love Gracia’s story - cute as a button...crossed eye....operation...perfect eyes.  I loved taking orphans from Central Asia bowling for the first time....seeing their joy...watching the owner so moved that he gave us a great deal for the bowling.  I loved giving a house (for free) to a family that used to live in a dump.  Oh yeah, sorry...you said one.


Iam1ru Admin Genius

Vee Welten

Vee is the one who mans the phones....oversees the website....plans many things for the trips...and has the good looks of the organization.  You can text or call her at 519.577.2389.