Getting Personal: Canadians Meet Their Sponsored Children
In November 2008, on his third visit to Thailand, Edmonton optometrist Richard Cowles met one of his sponsored children, Wipada, 14, at her school in Wang Wiset. Having made that special personal connection, Richard came away with an even stronger commitment to support World Vision’s work.
“With World Vision, I already felt my money was going where it was supposed to but this visit really drove it home,” Richard explains. “Positive things are happening and the money is going where it is supposed to go. The Thai people who are part of these projects were really happy and proud to show me how everything works and the opportunities they were getting. This visit definitely made me want to commit to continuing sponsoring Wipada.
“I could tell she was very appreciative of the sponsorship. So what would I say to potential sponsors? I’d say definitely do it! You won’t regret it. Being a sponsor, you’re doing more than sending money to some country. Having a child linked to you helps personalize things a bit.”
Lyndsey Parker, a flight attendant from Brantford, Ontario, sponsors Musteria from Tulo, Ethiopia.
“It was really good putting those letters together in a face-to-face,” Lyndsey says. “They were so grateful — and really, I am so grateful myself. The trip really did change my life. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I was blown away, not just by the consistency but also by the dedication of the overseas employees and their commitment to the families in the project.”
Tulo is a relatively new project, yet despite the many challenges, the people are proud and committed to changing their lives, and World Vision sponsors are helping them do just that.
“I want people to understand that what is so little to us can totally change someone’s life,” Lyndsey explains. “It’s not a lot of work. It’s not a lot of money. It’s something so small it can absolutely change a child’s life.”
A final word of advice from Lyndsey? Write letters and be involved.
“Be an active sponsor. Yes, your money is making a difference but make it personal,” she says.
Watch the Clarke's visit to meet their sponsored child in Nicaragua.
