Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff is reflecting on a recent volunteer trip to The Gambia, describing it as a meaningful experience that highlighted both global need and local generosity.
Canniff travelled to the west African nation through the Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise as part of a delegation that included his wife, Christine, and 12 other residents, most of whom were from Chatham-Kent. The Gambia, located on the continent’s west coast, is Africa’s smallest mainland country and is known for its strong sense of community, rich culture and ongoing development challenges, particularly in rural regions.
During the visit, the group spent time at Kerr Demba Gambu School in the Kuntaur region, where they met with local government officials, village elders, teachers and students. Canniff said the meetings offered valuable insight into daily life in the community while strengthening long-standing relationships Rotary has been building in the area.
“Our delegation brought with us, or shipped in, tangible supports for the school and village,” Canniff said, noting the delivery of water filtration units, bicycles, school desks, backpacks and teaching aids, along with financial support toward the future drilling of a bore hole for a fresh water well. “These resources will have a direct and lasting impact on access to clean drinking water, education, and daily life for students and families in the area.”
Canniff said the impact of the visit was already being felt, adding, “We’ve already heard that enrollment in the school has increased significantly since our visit, which is amazing.”
He also acknowledged the role of local businesses in supporting the initiative, thanking Winmar, Schinkels’ Gourmet Meats and Krunal Patel from local Shoppers Drug Mart stores for their sponsorship and generosity.
On a personal level, Canniff described the experience as deeply meaningful. “The connections we made with residents, local officials, and especially the children were genuine and lasting,” he said. “It was a powerful reminder of how much impact can be made through direct engagement, listening, and showing up with both humility and purpose. It really struck me that, for so many reasons, we’re all truly privileged to call Chatham-Kent our home.”
Canniff also addressed transparency surrounding the trip, confirming that he and his wife covered their own expenses. “For the sake of full transparency and to avoid any rumours, I can confirm that Christine and I paid entirely out of our own pocket for our involvement in the trip,” he said.
