World Vision staff, Esther, high-fives three children at a school in Mbuyani village. (Tanzania, 2023)

About World Vision Canada

We are committed to creating lasting change for vulnerable children and families. World Vision helps children break free from poverty through child sponsorship, emergency relief, advocacy and community-based programs—bringing hope and opportunity where it’s needed most.

We see a world where every child flourishes

World Vision Canada started in 1957, seven years after World Vision International was founded. Since then, we have helped empower children, families and communities with essentials like clean water and nutritious food, healthcare and education. Our mission goes beyond aid: we restore dignity, create opportunity and help generations flourish.

Our origin story

In 1950, our founder Bob Pierce donated his last $5 to help an orphaned girl in China. That simple act of compassion sparked a global movement that continues today—transforming lives and reaching over 7.6 million people through our programs in 2024.

Who we are and what we do

We believe that every child deserves the fullness of life. Inspired by our Christian faith and anchored in our mission statement, we respond to emergencies, support long-term development and advocate for justice. We walk alongside children and families as they overcome poverty and build thriving communities.

Where we work

Hope knows no borders. With over 33,000 dedicated staff, we serve in nearly 100 countries, partnering with communities to create brighter futures for children and families.

Three young boys wearing orange uniform shirts are hugging each other and smiling.

Why we exist

Our vision

Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness.
Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.

Our mission statement

We exist to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Our core values

We believe every person matters. Guided by faith, we fight poverty and injustice, uphold dignity and care for God’s creation—without discrimination. We value partnership, accountability and stewardship, ensuring every resource brings hope and lasting impact.

How we behave

  1. We are Christian: Rooted in our Christian faith, we follow Jesus’ example of love, servanthood and concern for the poor, marginalized and children—loving all people without discrimination or condition.

  2. We are committed to the poor: We stand in solidarity for justice and serve the most vulnerable children and communities—honouring their agency and embracing their role as agents of change.

  3. We value people: We honour each person as created and loved by God, treating them with dignity and respect, while practicing open and honest working relationships—cultivating grace, grit, growth and goodness.

  4. We are stewards: We invest resources wisely and transparently to maximize impact for children and communities, while caring for God’s creation and upholding stakeholder trust­­—honouring every gift entrusted to use with integrity and intention. 

  5. We are partners: We are humble, collaborative and open as we work with churches, governments, donors, communities and other organizations to amplify our shared mission—recognizing that lasting change must be locally owned and led.

  6. We are responsive: We act with urgency, especially in crisis, while remaining committed for the long-term and prioritizing innovation, creativity and flexibility as we continually learn and improve—redefining what’s possible for our sector and defying reality for children.

Canada’s top charity

We’re proud to be named a Top 10 International Impact and Top 100 Charity by Charity Intelligence. Our A+ and 5-star rating reflect our global impact and the trust we’ve earned from Canadians since 1957.

2025 Top 10 International Impact Charity recognition by Charity Intelligence.

Our global impact in 2024 

7.6M +

girls, boys and adults reached by our programs

4.5M +

people reached through 36 emergency response efforts

$395.8M

invested in areas of need around the world

What’s your world vision?

We envision a world where every child experiences the fullness of life—childhoods filled with joy, hope and justice. Where education, safe water, nutritious food and healthcare are accessible to all. That’s our vision. What’s yours?

A World Vision staff member and children are clapping together.

Our approach

We connect with communities, supporters, partners and governments to tackle poverty by focusing on three specific areas.

Disaster relief: We’re the first to arrive and last to leave when emergency strikes.

Development: We deliver community-based programs focused on children’s needs.

Advocacy: We advocate for children’s rights at all levels of government.

We prevent another case of diarrhea for a child under five every five minutes

Together, we help where it’s needed most

Donate to Where Most Needed, a gift that gives us the flexibility to quickly deliver essentials like food, clean water, healthcare and education where they’re urgently needed, or to fund vital projects that require more support. Whether you choose to give a single gift or make a monthly pledge, Where Most Needed takes the guesswork out of giving by allowing us to channel your gift to support the most pressing needs.

 

Want more ways to give? Learn more about child sponsorship or explore all gifts.

A man wearing a World Vision vest looks down and talks to three children outside their home in Nepal.

You make our work possible

How donations support our work

Every dollar you give drives lasting change in lower-income communities, empowering girls, boys and families for generations. Here’s the five-year average of how we use your donations.

Field programs and advocacy

Helps raise more resources

Vital support and accountability

This chart is based on a five-year average of World Vision Canada's annual statement of total expenditures. Read the 2024 Annual Results Report p. 114

Annual Results Reports and Financial Statements

View our Annual Results Reports and Financial Statements:

2024 - Annual Results Report | Financial Statement
2023 - Annual Results Report | Financial Statement
2022 - Annual Results Report | Financial Statement

View our official charity profile and T3010 filings, including total compensation details, on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.

Explore

Frequently asked questions

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What does World Vision Canada do?

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We’re not just a disaster relief charity. We help children and families break free from poverty through child sponsorship, emergency relief, advocacy and development programs. We deliver essentials like education, food, healthcare and clean water sources—removing barriers so communities can build brighter futures.

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Is World Vision a good charity?

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Yes. Since 1975, World Vision Canada has worked alongside communities, supporters, partners and governments to create lasting change for children. In 2024 alone, we reached 7.6 million girls and boys with programs that promote sustainable change in vulnerable places. World Vision Canada is recognized by Charity Intelligence Canada as a Top 10 International Impact Charity. Over the past five years, 84.9 per cent of funds went directly to programs, 10 per cent to fundraising and 5.1 per cent to administration. We also undergo regular independent audits by KPMG to ensure accuracy and transparency. Learn more in our latest Annual Results Report.

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How does World Vision use donations?

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Every dollar you give helps build sustainable change for children, families and communities living in poverty. Over the past five years, 84.9 per cent went directly to development and advocacy work, funding programs that deliver clean water, education, healthcare and more; 10 per cent to fundraising and 5.1 per cent to administration. Your generosity drives progress where it’s needed most. See details in our latest Annual Results Report.

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How is World Vision different from other charities?

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Our legacy of creating lasting impact started in 1957. We are proud to be recognized by Charity Intelligence Canada as a Top 10 International Impact Charity—the only international aid charity on the list. This means we deliver one of the highest impacts per dollar donated among Canadian charities working overseas. For over 30 years, we’ve worked with the World Food Programme (WFP) to bring life-saving help to people in crisis and support long-term change. As one of WFP’s main partners, we run programs in some of the hardest places to reach—improving nutrition, health, education and food security, while helping communities become strong and independent. Discover more about our impact in the latest Annual Results Report.

Frequently asked questions

icon

What does World Vision Canada do?

downarrow

We’re not just a disaster relief charity. We help children and families break free from poverty through child sponsorship, emergency relief, advocacy and development programs. We deliver essentials like education, food, healthcare and clean water sources—removing barriers so communities can build brighter futures.

icon

Is World Vision a good charity?

downarrow

Yes. Since 1975, World Vision Canada has worked alongside communities, supporters, partners and governments to create lasting change for children. In 2024 alone, we reached 7.6 million girls and boys with programs that promote sustainable change in vulnerable places. World Vision Canada is recognized by Charity Intelligence Canada as a Top 10 International Impact Charity. Over the past five years, 84.9 per cent of funds went directly to programs, 10 per cent to fundraising and 5.1 per cent to administration. We also undergo regular independent audits by KPMG to ensure accuracy and transparency. Learn more in our latest Annual Results Report.

icon

How does World Vision use donations?

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Every dollar you give helps build sustainable change for children, families and communities living in poverty. Over the past five years, 84.9 per cent went directly to development and advocacy work, funding programs that deliver clean water, education, healthcare and more; 10 per cent to fundraising and 5.1 per cent to administration. Your generosity drives progress where it’s needed most. See details in our latest Annual Results Report.

icon

How is World Vision different from other charities?

downarrow

Our legacy of creating lasting impact started in 1957. We are proud to be recognized by Charity Intelligence Canada as a Top 10 International Impact Charity—the only international aid charity on the list. This means we deliver one of the highest impacts per dollar donated among Canadian charities working overseas. For over 30 years, we’ve worked with the World Food Programme (WFP) to bring life-saving help to people in crisis and support long-term change. As one of WFP’s main partners, we run programs in some of the hardest places to reach—improving nutrition, health, education and food security, while helping communities become strong and independent. Discover more about our impact in the latest Annual Results Report.