Every year, hundreds of Canadians donate their time and skills to World Vision. Through their commitment and compassion, they help improve the lives of children overseas.
1. Cynthia Conlon
Montreal, Quebec
Accounting technician Cynthia Conlon travelled to Mali with World Vision's Destination Life Change program. During her two-week trip, she helped build a new school and visited World Vision initiatives, including community gardens and literacy centres.
One of the highlights of her trip was meeting her sponsored child, five-year-old Fatoumata. "I have been a sponsor off and on for years, but have not really spoken about it," says Cynthia. "Now I want to get the word out to anyone who will listen.... I have finally broken through my personal timid comfort zone and am not afraid to speak—because I saw, I contributed, and mostly, I believe!"
To view a slideshow of Cynthia meeting her sponsored child, click here.
2. Doug Currie
Bedford, Nova Scotia
After a 2002 trip to Guatemala, Life Change Network volunteer Doug Currie wanted to open the eyes of others to poverty in developing countries. Quiet and introverted, Doug knew public speaking wasn't his style. So he set up a website and began writing emails to a small list of friends.
Those friends told their friends, and the list soon grew to more than 200 people. Doug's heartfelt stories have inspired more than 30 of them to sponsor children through World Vision.
To learn about Doug's creative idea for raising money for children in Uganda, click here.
3. Rhiann Forster
Winnipeg, Man.
Rhiann volunteered at the One Life Experience in Winnipeg and enjoyed it so much that she signed up for three additional shifts and then volunteered at the exhibits in Calgary, Regina and Edmonton.
“The World Vision staff was amazing,” says Rhiann, “I learned a lot from them. I loved how energetic, encouraging and grateful they were. I feel like I’ve really found a place where I belong.”
To become a World Vision Volunteer, please fill out the Volunteer Application Form.
