by Nelle Oosterom

In the February-March 2012 issue of Canada's History, Joanna Dawson and Beverley Tallon enlightened us about seven Canadians who have made a difference (see page 59). As part of our Canadians and the World series, Canada’s History spoke with Ron Enns, Executive Director of iDE Canada.

iDE was founded in 1982 by American entrepreneur and philanthropist Paul Polak. Their first project took place in a Somalian refugee camp, where iDE reengineered a traditional donkey cart, making it easier for people to transport their goods to market.

Today, iDE Canada is dedicated to helping poor, subsistence farmers elevate themselves out of poverty. iDE Canada develops simple and affordable technologies, which help people improve their productivity, profit, and quality of life.

Ron Enns joined iDE Canada as Executive Director, after retiring from a successful career in agriculture. Ron always had an interest in development and says it’s been a lifelong journey to get to where he is.

“It’s gratifying to work with individual philanthropists who think it’s important to help the world’s poor,” he says. “It’s been very inspiring.”