Potential to

Prosperity

Together, we can help thousands of skilled newcomers restart their careers and strengthen Canada.

Canadian employers are struggling to fill critical roles

Even though the talent already exists here, too many internationally trained professionals are stuck in survival jobs due to systemic barriers, preventing them from working in their fields. Not only is this a personal loss, it is also a significant economic loss for Canada.

60%

Nearly 60% of internationally trained doctors and nurses are not working in their trained profession.

Source: Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2022; Statistics Canada, 2021 (as cited in CIC News, Sept. 2023)

51%

of refugees in Canada are trained in high-skill professions like medicine, engineering, or architecture, yet most face barriers to practising their profession here.

Source: Refugee Statistics in Canada 2025 (citing UNHCR / Gov. data).

$50B

In economic potential is lost when Canada underutilizes immigrants’ skills.

Source: Untapped Potential: Canada Needs to Close Its Immigrant Wage Gap - RBC Economics report

Their journey, our mission

Help us raise $50M to

lift 12,000 immigrants

out of poverty and into prosperity

Windmill’s impact

Thanks to our supporters, Windmill provides affordable loans and career support that help clients reclaim their careers and ease Canada’s skilled labour shortages.

13,500+

Thousands of skilled newcomers are reclaiming their careers in their trained fields with Windmill's support.

3x income

On average, clients who return to their trained professions triple their income.

95% repaid

High repayment proves our clients' success and fuels support for more newcomers.

1-to-5 impact

Every $1 donated to Windmill, creates $4.71 in social and economic impact, verified by The Veritas Foundation.

When we empower immigrants, we empower Canada

“Even if it seems impossible, and you face many struggles— financially, emotionally, physically—it is possible to return to your profession with the support of your family and organizations like Windmill Microlending.”
Karla
Pharmacist and pharmacy owner
Windmill client
"I am proof that becoming a doctor in Canada is attainable with the help of Windmill.”
Dr. Kunmi
Physician
Windmill client
“When I was new to Canada, my confidence was shaken. Windmill gave me the support I needed to pursue my education and rebuild my life. Their help was more than financial; it showed me I wasn’t alone.”
Syeda
Business professional
Windmill client
“In my last job, I was living paycheck to paycheck. Windmill believed in me, gave me my loan and I achieved my career goal.”
Kebrid
Heavy equipment operator
Windmill client
“Windmill donors and supporters have big hearts, helping people like me to succeed and to make Canada better.”
Dr. Eva
Veterinarian and clinic owner
Windmill client

Thank you to our early supporters

We deeply appreciate our visionary donors who have helped us turn potential into prosperity.

$750,000+

  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • Scotiabank
  • Pathy Family Foundation | Fondation de la famille Pathy
  • The Rossy Foundation
  • Crux Capital
  • TD Bank Group
  • Definity Financial Corporation
  • Claudia Hepburn
  • Anonymous (2)

$400,000 - $749,999

  • Coast Capital
  • Intact Financial Corporation
  • John and Dana Montalbano
  • The Hunter Family Foundation
  • The Azrieli Foundation
  • Anonymous (2)

Together, we can do more

We are halfway to our $50M goal. With your support, we can help thousands of internationally trained professionals restart their careers, reach their full potential and build a more prosperous future for all.

For transformational gifts, contact Sarah Legault at sarah.l@teamwindmill.org

Leeja, nurse

Windmill client

Donate now
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