Henry Verroen
1952 – 2015
At the center of a close-knit community resided a man whose impact on others radiated brightly throughout his life. Henry Verroen, a man of quiet demeanor, humble nature, and boundless kindness, was devoted to helping those in need. Whether it was extending a helping hand to an elderly neighbour or ensuring single mothers had reliable transportation for work, Henry’s genuine care for others knew no limits. This unwavering dedication to assisting others, and profound love for humanity, served as a guiding light for those who knew him best and stands as a shining example of how one individual’s kindness has the ability to transform the world around them. He taught us the immense power of compassion and the importance of making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Henry passed away on November 3, 2015. His son, Johnathan Verroen, was inspired with his father’s selfless dedication to helping others, that he left behind a comfortable life in Canada, in 2022 and headed to Ukraine to offer his help with humanitarian efforts there.
As a lasting memorial to his father, Johnathan created THE HENRY PROJECT, which is committed to providing humanitarian assistance and aid to the war-torn people of Ukraine and is striving to raise awareness in Canada and beyond, about the situation there. Through generous contributions from people like you, The Henry Project funds various initiatives aimed at supporting the people of Ukraine. We also collaborate closely with non-profit organizations and dedicated independent volunteers on the ground to further our mission.
By keeping his father’s memory alive, Johnathan seeks to motivate current and future generations to embrace empathy and compassion, and, through collective action, we can honor Henry’s life and legacy and make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
Johnathan Verroen
Johnathan, like countless individuals, found himself gripped by a profound sense of helplessness as he witnessed the harrowing events that unfolded when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the television screen, watching as people clutched their meager belongings, fleeing their homes and homeland, their eyes brimming with despair, fear, and suffering. While the world observed from the comfort of their homes, Jonathan was compelled to do more. He felt an unwavering call in his life to go and serve in any way possible.
Throughout most of his existence, Johnathan battled a persistent feeling of inadequacy, despite harboring an overwhelming desire to make a positive impact and assist those in need. In the years leading up to the war in Ukraine, and particularly in the eight months preceding it, Johnathan’s life took an unexpected turn. He nearly lost his life because he had clung to the false belief that he was not good enough, that his existence was lacking meaning or purpose, much like many others in the world who grapple with the same debilitating lie.
But Johnathan ultimately came to realize that it was indeed a lie—a tragic falsehood that far too many people mistakenly accept about themselves. It was at this pivotal juncture that he made a resolute decision, one that was not made hastily or recklessly. It was a decision that had been mulled over, prayed upon, and discussed with numerous mentors who had played a pivotal role in his life. Every morning, as he awoke, Johnathan felt a profound conviction that Ukraine was where he was destined to be.
Before embarking on this transformative journey, Johnathan took radical steps to strip his life of the superficial trappings he had once associated with happiness. He willingly relinquished his home, his job, and yet paradoxically, he had never been happier. Amidst the stark simplicity of his new existence, he gained clarity about his true purpose and passion: to alleviate the suffering of others.
There’s a saying that “love is a verb,” and it holds profound truth. Love isn’t merely expressed through words; it is a force that compels us to act. Johnathan drew inspiration from his late father, Henry Verroen, who exemplified this principle every day of his life. Johnathan yearned to carry his father’s legacy forward, to embody the idea of “Compassion in Action.”
In the face of the Ukrainian crisis, Johnathan’s decision was a testament to his unwavering commitment to love through action. He embarked on a journey that would not only redefine his own existence but would also bring solace and hope to those who had been thrust into the darkest of circumstances. In Ukraine, Johnathan would learn the true essence of love, compassion, and the extraordinary power of one person’s determination to make a difference in the world.