A Story of Love and
Commitment to Haiti
In 2010, Régine Chassagne and Dominique Anglade, two Canadian women of Haitian descent, decided to create KANPE (which means “to stand up” in Haitian Creole). Their goal: to establish a foundation dedicated to supporting Haiti’s most vulnerable populations. Although they had known each other as children, their paths had diverged during adolescence. Yet their love for Haiti and their deep desire to make a positive impact would bring them back together.
The Inspiration
Born to parents exiled under the dictatorship, Régine has always been deeply interested in Haiti’s culture and history. From her earliest successes with Arcade Fire, the musical group she co-founded, she knew she wanted to use her growing fame to help Haiti. While researching the best organizations on the ground, she discovered the book Mountains Beyond Mountains, which chronicles the life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer, a renowned physician and founder of Partners In Health.
Since 1985, this organization has provided quality health care to the most underserved communities through a social justice lens and the book was a turning point for Régine. She reached out to Dr. Farmer, and a collaborative relationship developed with Arcade Fire. By 2005, the band had begun raising funds for the organization.
Little by little, the bird builds its nest
Having never visited Haiti in her youth, Régine went there for the first time in 2008, following Hurricane Jeanne, accompanied by Dr. Farmer. Together, they traversed the mountains of the Central Plateau by van and on foot, and at night, crossed the Artibonite River by moonlight on a bamboo raft.
Meeting patients living in mountainous areas and witnessing firsthand the difficult living conditions directly affecting their health left her profoundly moved and determined to take concrete action to support these rural communities. Back in Montreal, she reconnected with Dominique Anglade, her childhood friend. Dominique had become a successful businesswoman, working for multinational companies in Canada and the United States, while also engaging in social initiatives, particularly in economic development in Canada and Quebec.
The Birth of the Organization
Régine told Dominique about Partners In Health, and Dominique introduced her to Fonkoze, Haiti’s largest microfinance organization. When Régine mentioned Fonkoze to representatives from Partners In Health, they responded enthusiastically: the two organizations already knew each other and had been seeking ways to collaborate for years but lacked support to implement joint projects.
In August 2009, the two women invited representatives from Partners In Health and Fonkoze to Montreal. Thanks to the field expertise of both organizations, a strategy was developed to enable Quebec and Canada to contribute to the essential work being done in Haiti. This is how the KANPE Foundation was born.
Supported by friends in the Haitian diaspora and after consulting with local leaders, experts, and NGOs with decades of experience in Haiti, a small isolated community in the rugged mountains of the Central Plateau was chosen as the foundation’s first site.
Plans for deployment were well underway when, on January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, claiming the lives of Dominique’s parents—pillars of the Haitian diaspora—as well as her uncle and cousin. Far from discouraging them, this tragedy, followed later that year by a cholera outbreak, only strengthened their resolve.
KANPE’s Vision
Their first project aimed to combat the cholera epidemic in the region. A triage and treatment center, along with a prevention campaign, were established. Subsequently, more programs were introduced following an integrated, holistic approach. The community of Baille Tourible faced countless challenges, having been impoverished for decades and lacking basic services—like many other rural communities in Haiti.
KANPE’s mission is to accompany communities like Baille Tourible on their path to autonomy, valuing and supporting initiatives they themselves lead. To achieve this, KANPE deploys an integrated approach based on six complementary pillars: leadership, entrepreneurship and economic development, education, agroforestry, health, and infrastructure strengthening.
Impact Today
For more than 15 years, the KANPE Foundation has worked with the best local organizations and talent, thanks to the support of donors—both large and small—who believe in the mission. The results have already been extraordinary. The foundation also seeks to change the narrative and perception of Haiti by highlighting its achievements and celebrating the richness of its culture, which are often overlooked.
In Baille Tourible, initial steps have been taken to improve access to health care, provide free education, and pilot innovative agroforestry projects. This momentum has gradually extended to several other communities in the Central Plateau and the Nord-Est department. Today, a young and ambitious generation—largely led by women—continues this transformative work begun over a decade ago. Their collective pride is expressed in moments of celebration, marked by local bands created by youth, symbols of vitality, leadership, and hope.
The story of Régine and Dominique with KANPE is an inspiration to all of us. It shows that social change is possible when the right tools are placed in the right hands.
Support Haiti’s
Rural Communities
Your contribution directly supports KANPE’s programs in Haiti: healthcare, education, agroforestry, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Every dollar invested in local autonomy helps women and youth thrive and strengthens communities for generations to come.
