MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 5, 2011 /CNW/ - World Vision and Visa Canada are working together to help Canadians make a more tangible difference this holiday season. In December, when Canadians use a Visa credit, Visa Debit or Visa prepaid card to purchase a goat online through the World Vision Gift Catalogue, Visa will contribute an additional $20 CDN to World Vision, up to $50,000 CDN. World Vision will utilize Visa's donation to purchase additional goats that will be provided to families in need, overseas.

Charitable gifts like those available through the World Vision Gift Catalogue, are an increasingly common present over the holidays. A recent Harris Decima poll indicates 74 per cent of Canadians prefer to receive a gift that helps someone in need, rather than a traditional gift like clothing or electronics.

"We're excited to be working with World Vision this holiday season, and to be part of a national program that turns gift giving into an even more meaningful experience," said Marina Chernyak, Head of Merchant and Co-Brand Marketing, Visa Canada. "This year, we hope Visa cardholders across Canada will consider this unique gift and the many benefits it can bring to a family in another part of the world."

"We know helping others is an important part of the holidays for many families," says Jane Bargout, a spokesperson for the World Vision Gift Catalogue. "The Gift Catalogue is a fun way for people to give a gift that will change lives. This alliance with Visa allows Canadians to have even more impact when they give a goat."

The purchase of a goat from World Vision's Gift Catalogue provides many benefits for a family in need and has the ability to change lives. Families gain the valuable capital of owning a farm animal with the ability to produce offspring. Daily nutrition from goat's milk helps improve child health and well-being, while excess milk can be sold for income to help cover necessities like school fees and medical visits.

Visit www.worldvision.ca/gifts to give a goat.

World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Image with caption: "In December, when Canadians use a Visa credit, Visa Debit or Visa prepaid card to purchase a goat online through the World Vision Gift Catalogue, Visa will contribute an additional $20 CDN to World Vision, up to $50,000 CDN. World Vision will utilize Visa's donation to purchase additional goats that will be provided to families in need, overseas (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at:
http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111205_C3743_PHOTO_EN_7820.jpg


For further information:

CONTACTS
Genevieve Barber, 905-565-6200 ext. 2176, cell: 416-671-0086,
Genevieve_Barber@WorldVision.ca