Q Why is World Vision Canada increasing the monthly cost of child sponsorship from $35 to $39 a month?

A Just as costs have risen in Canada, they have also steadily risen in the countries in which World Vision works. For example: 1. We rely extensively on gas-powered vehicles in our field work and the cost of fuel has been steadily increasing. For instance, in 2004 the average cost for a litre of gas in Kenya was $ .92. By 2010 the average had increased 45% to $1.33 per litre. 2. Many communities we serve, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa have been facing stubborn and continuous drought conditions, making it difficult for them to produce enough food to meet nutritional needs. This is compounded by the fact that more than 70% of headline inflation in the developing world relates to food costs, as reported by the International Monetary Fund as far back as 2007. The inflated cost of food is a growing issue. 3. With drought comes an extreme water shortage. When water sources dry up water must be purchased at high prices. The world's poor do not have the funds required to buy water. One lactating dairy cow drinks 25 to 50 gallons of water per day, in times of drought a community may be faced with purchasing water for themselves or their livestock. Without water the herd will die and a source of income and nutrition lost. World Vision steps in to help communities purchase the water they need.

Q How often does World Vision raise the child sponsorship rate?

A We raise the rate when essential in order to maintain the level of support we provide to those in need. The last rate increase was seven years ago, in 2005.

Q When will the $39 rate take effect?

A For those who are just beginning to sponsor a child, the new $39 rate takes effect on March 1, 2012. For existing child sponsors, we are phasing in the rate change over the course of the seven month period from March 1 to September 1, 2012. For those who tell us they do not want a rate change at this time, the rate will remain unchanged.

Q How will child sponsors know that the rate has changed?

A Child Sponsors are being notified of the rate change in several ways. All sponsors will receive a letter by mail. We are also using all of the communication vehicles at our disposal including email, phone, Childview (our magazine for donors), while considering the costs associated with each.

Q Why is World Vision using the "opt out" approach, where child sponsors have to let World Vision know if they cannot or do not want to participate in the increase?

A Our donors are very clear with us about their expectation that we are good stewards of the money entrusted to us for care of the world's most needy children. We take that responsibility very seriously. It is one of the promises we make to our valued supporters. With a rate change we seek counsel from experts and from our supporters in order to find the best possible balance between sponsor satisfaction and good financial stewardship. This means the greatest possible percentage of each donated dollar is going towards programs that help children."

Q What will the additional money be used for? How much actually goes to program services?

A The additional funds made available through the rate increase will ensure that we can continue to help thousands of children through the child sponsorship program, and with the same level of care, quality and impact that we have had in the past. The funds will also ensure we can maintain child and family focused sustainable development programs in the communities in which we work. In 2010 81.1 per cent of every dollar donated by child sponsors went to our work in the field to help children and communities. Here are some examples of how World Vision's work with communities is helping children and their families experience a full life of dignity, health and opportunity:

Education programs

Child sponsorship funding makes it possible for children to go to school, become literate and learn the skills that will empower them to set goals and make dreams come true.

The skills development opportunities that sponsorship provides helps to ensure a stronger community that can advocate for itself and its children, thereby providing a secure environment for all.

Life skills education for children, youth and adults helps to develop awareness and knowledge so that threats such as HIV/AIDS, child labour and gender discrimination can be avoided.

Health & Nutrition programs

World Vision works in partnership with government health institutions and other agencies to build relationships and infrastructures to ensure children and communities have access to essential services.

One of World Vision's focal points is support programs for children in the early years of life— from birth to age five, when children are most vulnerable to deadly diseases.

Another important area of focus is female healthcare, particularly pre and post-natal care.

Income Generation programs:

Parents worldwide want to earn an income that allows them to support their family and provide children with the essentials. With the support of caring Canadians we are able to help households develop an income by providing the tools and the skills necessary to build a business. For example: 1. farmers in agricultural training programs learn how to care for the soil, plant drought-resistant crops and use natural fertilizers to maximize harvests. 2. Cooperatives developed with World Vision's support provide shared resources such as farm equipment and ensures a fair market price for all. 3. Livestock and animal husbandry programs provide a source of income, nutrition and sharing among families. The farm animals are also a source of great joy and learning for children, who are frequently the animal caregivers.

Q If child sponsors cannot afford the rate increase? Will the sponsored child and the community receive less?

A We understand that our supporters have differing needs. This is one of the reasons that we have given sponsors the option of remaining at the current rate. The fact that some sponsors will choose to remain at the current rate will not negatively impact individual sponsored children. While child sponsors have a relationship with one child, all of the children in the communities in which we work have the opportunity to benefit from the programs that Canadian donors make possible. We are thankful for every supporter and for the contributions they make to help the children and communities that really counting on us.

Q What should a child sponsor do if they do not wish to have a rate increase?

A We want to hear from our child sponsors if they do not wish to have a rate increase at this time. We are happy to support individual needs and are thankful for ongoing support.

Q Will there be another increase in the next couple of years?

A At this time we cannot be sure exactly when the next increase will occur, though we will ensure that the experience and feedback from sponsors during this increase will inform us as to the best way to proceed in the future. The collective voice of our child sponsors repeatedly reminds us that the most important thing to them, and to us, is ensuring that the highest possible amount of every dollar donated goes to helping children and families in the greatest need.

Q Is there a rate increase for child sponsors who currently sponsor a child in a Hope community at $40 a month?

A We are happy that we do not have to ask HopeChild sponsors to give more than they already give and we are thankful for each and every one of our supporters. HopeChild sponsors have been giving an extra $5 each month, to address the needs related to HIV and AIDS. Through these efforts, World Vision has been able to implement effective strategies for HIV & AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. As a result, families are better able to care for their own children as well as vulnerable children in the community, while helping more children stay HIV-free.

Over the years, World Vision's HIV and AIDS work has been progressively integrated into the Health Programming of all affected communities. There is no longer a need to have two different types of sponsorships. Effective March 1st, all sponsorships will be referred to as World Vision child sponsorships. Children and their families living in communities impacted by HIV and AIDS will continue to benefit from the HIV and AIDS programs that have been established. World Vision's development and relief work will continue to include HIV and AIDS programs for affected communities. We will also advise all sponsors who have sponsored a HopeChild of this change.

Video: President Dave Toycen addresses the rate increase and why it's needed. WATCH NOW