10 Things to Know About Us

World Vision provides aid to those in need regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin or religious conviction.
World Vision stockpiles warehouses around the globe that are ready for immediate use when disaster strikes. Canadian donors allow World Vision Canada to be in an emergency area within 24 hours of the emergency; providing desperately needed blankets, tents and other emergency supplies. World Vision makes these stockpiles and services available to other relief organizations and UN agencies.
More than 95% of World Vision staff is recruited from the country in which the aid is being distributed. By enlisting help from the local community, World Vision not only helps build new skills, but also gains greater insight into what the area's specific needs are.
World Vision enters a country only when asked by the local government. World Vision respects that people have the choice to receive or deny aid and strives to partner with communities in any way that we can.
World Vision has teamed up with many organizations to strengthen the worldwide fair trade movement - an alternative trading system based on economic and social justice. Fair Trade transactions ensure that profits flow directly to producers and their communities, not to corporate middlemen.
World Vision's Refugee Centre, in downtown Toronto, provides emergency shelter for refugee claimants and their families. Many families are fleeing countries plagued with political unrest, economic hardship, conflict and persecution. Every year, approximately 500 refugees find temporary shelter and support at the Centre and are welcomed by a skilled team of workers, many of whom were once refugees themselves.
World Vision's agricultural programs not only provide aid during emergencies such as famines, but also provide long-term help such as assistance in raising crops and farm animals. Depending on local needs, farmers are given seeds, tools, and livestock. Specialists provide training in agricultural techniques, environmental management, processing and storage methods, and selling their products.
World Vision annually distributes more than 700,000 tons of food worldwide and is the largest distributor of food for the United Nations World Food Program.
In 2003, Canadians sponsored 314,565 children.
5.4 million people benefited from World Vision Canada's programs in 2003.