About HENS
Meet our dedicated board and founding members committed to excellence in hen care and community.
About Us
Welcome to HENS (Home Essentials Newcomer Support), a dedicated grassroots initiative committed to supporting newcomer families as they begin their journey in Canada. We recognize that many newcomers arrive with minimal possessions and face significant challenges as they settle into their new environment. Our mission is to bridge these gaps by providing essential household items such as seasonal clothing, shoes, kitchenware, bedding and bath accessories, and some furniture to help ease the transition, enabling families to establish safe, functional homes as they settle into their new lives
Amina founded HENS in 2018 to address the urgent need for household essentials among newcomer families in Toronto. With extensive experience in community engagement, project management, and newcomer support, she has led initiatives like food distribution partnerships and positive parenting workshops. Amina’s work is guided by her passion for fostering dignity, stability, and equitable access to resources for vulnerable communities.
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.