By Rosa Harris-Adler

Taylor exudes what might best be described as pixie fervour. The nine-year-old spark plug from Eastern Ontario, isn't content merely to be a child sponsor. She's a pint-sized crusader out to persuade every soul she encounters to follow her example. She even established Taylor's Hope, her personal movement dedicated to realizing that dream. She has written newspaper columns on World Vision's child sponsorship, and she visits schools, churches, and businesses to talk about her cause.

"Once, after I spoke, a little five-year-old just wouldn't stop tugging at his mom's dress, nagging her to let him sponsor a child," Taylor giggles conspiratorially. "Finally she just had no choice. She had to give in." So far, Taylor has convinced 23 individuals and organizations to become child sponsors—but she has no intention of stopping there.

Her dedication and aplomb are striking: she has business cards, an e-mail address, and a phone line for Taylor's Hope. "She's single-minded in the sweetest way," says World Vision vice president Linda Tripp, who keeps a photograph of Taylor on her desk as a reminder of the meaning of commitment. "She has an aura about her that's truly exceptional."

Taylor became interested in the plight of impoverished children four years ago while participating in a Christmas charity campaign to send toys and candy to youngsters around the world. "God made my heart go on fire when I got involved," says Taylor. "I didn't want to stop helping when Christmas was over. That's when I learned about sponsoring." For her sixth birthday party the following February, Taylor asked guests to contribute towards child sponsorship instead of bringing gifts. She added money from savings bonds given to her at birth and sponsored a child. "When I got my first letter . . . I was so excited I could hardly breathe!"

Taylor plans to be a dentist when she grows up—but not just any dentist, of course. She intends to join Dentists Without Borders to continue helping those in developing countries. "I want to put a sparkle in the eyes of every needy child," she says.