About HENS
Meet our founding members and Board of Directors—dedicated leaders committed to advancing the HENS mission, vision, and objectives, as we work to build vibrant communities, one family at a time.
About Us
HENS (Home Essentials Newcomer Support) is a registered, incorporated not‑for‑profit organization dedicated to supporting newcomer families — including refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals transitioning from shelters into permanent housing. Many arrive with minimal possessions and face significant financial challenges as they begin rebuilding their lives in a new environment.
Our mission is to bridge these gaps by providing essential household items such as seasonal clothing, footwear, kitchenware, bedding, bath accessories, and select furniture. By offering these foundational necessities, we help families create safe, functional, and dignified homes as they settle into their new lives.
CBC Coverage of HENS – April 2024
HENS Community Impact
In March 2025, Amina Khote was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, honouring the significant impact HENS has made in supporting newcomer families throughout Toronto.
Amina founded HENS in 2018 to address the urgent need for household essentials among newcomer families in Toronto. Drawing on her extensive experience in community engagement, project management, and newcomer support, she has led initiatives such as food distribution partnerships and positive parenting workshops. Her commitment to fostering dignity, stability, and equitable access to resources for vulnerable communities has been widely recognized—most notably through the King Charles III Coronation Medal awarded to her in March 2025 for HENS’ impactful work across Toronto.
Cathy received her CA designation in 1985 and worked for Leon’s Furniture for 29 years in various positions, from a Finance Manager to Corporate Controller. Cathy retired from the corporation in 2018 after the successful integration of all Leon’s and Brick financial systems including the implementation of Oracle financial system. With retirement devoted my time to The Donway Covenant United Church as the Treasurer, Trustee, Chair of the Fall Sale and then a dedicated volunteer for HENS
Brian spent most of his career in the lighting industry culminating with the position of CFO for Philips Lighting in Canada. Currently he provides business consulting to senior business leaders and is president of the Nickolas and Barbars Sacco Charitable Foundation, which supports program for children in need.
Iqra is a lawyer working in Toronto. She enjoys volunteering and giving back to various communities.
Meet the Team
Amina Khote
Cathy Paterson
Our Board
Brian Hanko
Iqra Rafique
Mirza Shafi
Mirza was previously involved in Chaplaincy programs in 3 hospitals in Scarborough, as well the Toronto Youth Assessment Center and the Mimico Correctional Facility and helping in efforts in war torn countries.
Shaheynoor Talukder
Shaheynoor is a lawyer in Toronto and practices in estate planning and business law. Her legal practice includes representing estate trustees, trustees of trusts, beneficiaries of estates and trusts, and corporations.
Abdul Hamid Rahmany
Abdul Hamid began his career as a dentist before gaining extensive experience in international roles, working with the United Nations and the World Food Program as a Base Manager Assistant. He also served as the Chairman of Oswa Peshtaz Private High School in Kabul.
Lorrie is a dedicated minister of The Donway Covenant United Church. Driven by a deep passion for community connection and global care, Lorrie is passionate about outreach.
Lorrie Daly-Price
Founder / Executive Director
Volunteer Coordinator / Treasurer
Ambreen Khatri
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ambreen Khatri works with the City of Toronto as a sewing teacher. She enjoys sharing her skills with people of different ages and backgrounds and finds joy in working with all sections of the community.
Vice-Chair
Chair
Community Representative
Community Representative
Fizal Abrahim
Community Representative
Mirza was previously involved in Chaplaincy programs in 3 hospitals in Scarborough, as well the Toronto Youth Assessment Center and the Mimico Correctional Facility and helping in efforts in war torn countries.
Community Representative
Community Representative
The Heart of HENS: A Volunteer‑Driven Movement
HENS is powered by more than 40 dedicated volunteers of all ages, cultures, faiths, and languages—united by a shared commitment to welcoming and supporting newcomer families with dignity. Many of our volunteers are newcomers themselves, bringing language skills, lived experience, cultural understanding, and deep empathy that enrich every interaction.
Volunteering at HENS offers hands‑on experience, valuable job skills, and a strong sense of purpose, helping individuals prepare for future employment. For community volunteers, it provides a meaningful way to give back and build lasting connections within a vibrant, inclusive environment.
We are proud to be an intergenerational, multi‑faith, multi‑racial, and multi‑lingual team working together to build a stronger, more welcoming community for all.