The humanitarian | Dr. Samantha Nutt
An award-winning humanitarian, author, public speaker, doctor and the founder and president of humanitarian organizations War Child Canada and War Child USA, Dr. Samantha Nutt has worked with children and their families at the frontline of many of the world’s major crises. This year has been an especially horrific year of war around the world, and we look to Dr. Nutt as a shining example of what it means to be a true humanitarian. Looking out for the most vulnerable in war — children — she recently visited Yemen and Jordan and has been outspoken about the impact of these disasters on our youngest, reminding us that each life affected by war is precious and worth saving.Â
By Chantal Kreviazuk – Singer, War Child ambassador
A committed humanitarian, bestselling author, public speaker, mother, Women’s College Hospital staff physician, professor and the founder and president of War Child Canada and War Child USA, Dr. Samantha Nutt’s vision and leadership has transformed War Child from an altruistic idea into one of Canada’s most successful international charities, helping millions of war-affected children and their families each year.Â
It is not lost on me that being in the War Child family, so to speak, has its perks. Having been a long-time champion of the cause and the work that they do, and the impact they have on our world, disrupting cycles of chronic war, means I get a front row seat at the most irrefutably cutting-edge lessons on the topic of war, geopolitics, history, world issues… you name it. I am a sponge for knowledge and so incredibly passionate about the issues surrounding humanity, so being a cheerleader for the amazing War Child team, led by Sam, allows my love for learning to reign on!Â
Possibly the perk of all perks is that I have had the privilege of observing Sam in her element, in the field on assessment trips. We have traveled afar together to Africa and the Middle East on several occasions now, where she and War Child’s local teams have carefully implemented programs that give children access to education, protect their legal and human rights, and give their families the tools they need to escape poverty by using a model that is locally driven and led by 99 per cent local staff. War Child’s localÂ
Sam is, in my opinion, someone we are all better for knowing, not unlike the programs she creates, because of the traits she naturally inhabits — passion, integrity, gentleness and an intelligence, a sharpness if you will, that could break all hell loose. But it’s the traits she fosters and continues to grow in herself that also blow me away. Sam is a beautiful creature — she embodies humility and a classiness and relatability one rarely sees in one person. She is always in training. She listens. She has measured responses no matter the audience or situation. She is my personal president of the world because she makes time. Like a magician. She makes time out of thin air for absolutely everyone she meets, everywhere she goes even when time is up. The hope is real if she is in the midst. Sam is brave and honest, and her tenacityÂ
Both personally and professionally, I am in awe, and I am continually so inspired by Sam’s compassionate nature, willingness to try and her desire to serve. She is the reason that my belief in a life of service is validated, affirmation that there is something more than being self-involved and ambitious for the sake of self and ego. I have watched her change the world in places where no one else felt there was value. I have watched her humanize and raise up communities that had been forgotten. Sam reminds the world of the good that exists in me and you, and in all of us. She reminds me and everyone whose life she touches that we truly do all matter. I am so lucky that I have been able to grow alongside this phenomenal leader that makes us as women and us as Canadians so incredibly proud.
For more of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2023, click here.Â
