In the closing months of 2025, the diocese of Ottawa supported Alongside Hope’s national campaign to bring light and renewable energy to rural clinics in Madagascar and Mozambique. Thanks to teamwork and generosity, the diocese of Ottawa played a significant role in supporting Alongside Hope’s partner We Care Solar with the installation of 49 solar suitcases at nursing stations and rural clinics in areas of those countries with little or no access to electric power.
Charged by two durable solar panels installed on the roof of a clinic, the hardy and portable solar suitcase unit opens to reveal a high-capacity lithium battery, four high powered medical LED lights, two chargeable head lamps, a foetal doppler, USB and 12V charging ports, and rechargeable batteries with charger. These provide medical attendants with the tools they need to ensure every birth is illuminated, and phones are charged to make emergency referrals, especially at night.
Solar suitcases were the subject of a presentation at St. Bartholomew, Rockcliffe by Alongside Hope Board member, Bob Orr, at a “soup supper” followed by choral Evensong. Visitors to St. Bartholomew’s Christmas bazaar in November were able to see a solar suitcase and hear accounts of how it had improved maternal health care.
In October, Will Postma, executive director of Alongside Hope, visited parishes in Ottawa with a solar suitcase to demonstrate how they work. At St. Helen’s, Orleans, he explained how they include training materials for local practitioners and information to install and maintain the equipment. He described the immense difference the suitcases make in rural communities. Expectant mothers now know they can safely give birth in the dark and are more likely to seek health care.
Bart Dickinson, Alongside Hope’s planning, monitoring & evaluation coordinator, attended an event at St. James, Carleton Place, to explain how midwives could attend mothers and provide safe deliveries at all hours using the equipment each suitcase contains. Felice Parthun, a previous practicing Canadian midwife who attended the presentation, commented on how useful such an innovation could be.
Other local parishes chose to support this project through their outreach budgets. Alongside Hope’s Wild Ride campaign also benefitted the Solar Suitcase project. This saw 23 teams and 56 people across Canada cycle, walk, swim, make blankets, or bake muffins. Their combined efforts nationwide raised $61,440 towards the total.
Across Canada, more than $321,000 was raised, including $150,000 in matching funds donated by a generous anonymous donor. As a result of efforts in Ottawa and across Canada, 49 nursing stations in Mozambique and Madagascar are now able to provide round the clock maternal health care to their community members.
PHOTO: ALONGSIDE HOPE
Saint Mary’s Church, Westmeath — Deanery of the Northwest