COMMIT Executive

Doug Thompson - co-leader and founder of COMMIT

Doug Thompson is a retired medical doctor who practiced Family Medicine in Stratford, Ontario, for 40 years. A dedicated Rotarian for the same duration, Doug has been deeply committed to service and community impact.

His mission work has taken him to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and, for the past 12 years, Nicaragua, where he played a pivotal role in establishing COMMIT. Guided by a passion for global equity, Doug’s central vision is for Canadians to extend greater support to disadvantaged communities in developing countries and to more generously share the abundant resources available in Canada.

Janice Rauser - co-leader and founder of COMMIT

Janice is a registered nurse currently working in the Maternal Child Unit at Stratford Hospital. She has also contributed to public health as a vaccination nurse with Waterloo Public Health. Alongside her husband, Mark, Janice is the proud parent of four children, all of whom have participated in mission trips to Nicaragua. She is also a devoted grandmother to her grandson, Myers Overbeeke.

As one of the co-founders and leaders of COMMIT, Janice has been actively involved in mission work for over 112years. A dedicated Rotarian for more than three years, Janice lives by the philosophy:
"I cannot do all of the good that the world needs, but the world needs all of the good that I can do." – Jane Stanfield

Kim Neeb - sewing project leader

Kim Neeb has always valued the importance of giving back to her community. After dedicating many years to local service, she decided to pursue international mission work upon retirement. Joining Rotary in 2020, Kim was immediately inspired by the impactful efforts of COMMIT in Nicaragua.

During her first mission trip, Kim noticed an abandoned building in one of the villages and envisioned it as a sewing co-op for local women. This idea led to the creation of the sewing program, which has since flourished. As a seamstress with over 50 years of experience, Kim passionately shares her knowledge with women in two Nicaraguan villages, fostering friendships and skill development.

The program empowers women aged 15 to 65, providing them with practical skills that can improve their households or spark entrepreneurial opportunities. Kim takes pride in being part of their lives and looks forward to her next visits, where she continues to witness the transformative power of this initiative.

Beverly Neeb - Music and School Program Co-ordinator Executive

For Beverly Neeb, mission work was always a retirement goal. When she discovered COMMIT, she felt she had found her place within a group that aligned perfectly with her passion for service. With a professional background in the newspaper industry and later in public health, Bev also brings her lifelong love of music to her volunteer efforts.

An experienced piano teacher and church music program leader, Bev has used her talents to enrich the lives of teachers in one of Nicaragua's remote villages. She works with them on the basics of rhythm and reading musical notation, helping them build the skills to share the joy of music with their students.

"Rhythm seems to be part of the gene structure of Nicaraguans," Bev observes, "and if given a chance, these teachers can pass the love and pleasure of music to the next generation."

Beverly reflects humbly on her experience: "In comparison to most any Nicaraguan, my life has been trouble-free. It is a privilege to help, even in a small way, to make life a little better for our friends in Central America."

David Knoppert - Fundraising

David Knoppert is a retired hospital pharmacist originally from Toronto, now residing in London, Ontario, since 1986. He and his wife, Diane, share their home with a four-year-old Golden Retriever named Smudge.

Over the past 25 years, David’s dedication to global mission work has taken him to China, Ghana, Cuba, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, as well as multiple trips to Nicaragua with COMMIT. Reflecting on his experiences, David says, "I have seen poverty all over the world. When I was young, I only heard about it, but as I got older, I experienced it firsthand."

Since retiring in 2013, David has embarked on numerous mission trips through his church, Rotary, and most recently with COMMIT. His motivation stems from a deep desire to assist people in other countries who lack the opportunities and support systems available in Canada.

Through his efforts, David feels he is giving back in a meaningful way, making a positive impact on communities in need.

Jane Feryn - Agricultural project Manager

Pat is an agronomist and Jane is a Landscape Architect and  live on a farm south of Stratford. A few years ago they had the dream and vision to start an agricultural project in Nicaragua to improve the national's diet with healthy vegetables. Their background gave them the knowledge of what was needed to get the project off of the ground and with the help and skills of Jimmy the project was started. Jane and Pat have participated in two trips to Nicaragua and are active behind the scenes fundraising for the garden project.

Unfortunately Pat passed away in April of 2023. He will be greatly missed by the team and the people of Nandarola.