Yes I did, even when I was still single viua Compassion

I prefer to sponsor animals, I’ve had a few over the years. If I don’t have one to sponsor, I donate to a charity, I think because animals don’t have a voice, someone needs to speak for them and look after them

I’ve been sponsoring a child through Asian Aid since I was around 12yrs old. It can be a very rewarding experience knowing that you are making a difference in the life of a child and ensuring that they have an education and enough food. I have heard that World Vision do you use some of their profits to fund advertising and administration fees, whereas with Asian Aid 100% is going to the kids. There are a number of different options to choose from and I guess it depends how much you want to commit to each month. You can sponsor one for as little as $30 a month, other children go to special needs schools, etc. so some of those may cost more. They usually have children in India, Cambodia, etc. it doesn’t really matter which country you sponsor a child from they are all needy.
It can also be quite fun to write letters to your child. They will often write back to you.

After seeing sunday night ( i think it was) and the amount of money that doesnt get to the charity is astounding!

I really like the idea of it but the cynic in me wonders how much money actually goes to helping them.

I remembered a old work colleague used to sponser a child from Africa and even showed us a photo of her/him. I think she mentioned at that time it was most needed etc, but most important was she was happy how she could see how her contribution progressed and the child was looked after well from it . Its a wonderful thought .

Hi as a family we sponsor the Irene Gleeson foundation, the reason why we chose this is because I knew Irene who founded the organisation (by herself travelled to Uganda and lived in a caravan) Irene’s story is amazing! We know the funds go straight to the organisation and they have representatives here. http://www.irenegleesonfoundation.com it only cost $35 per month and you get updates etc…hope this helps..We have been sponsoring for about 5 years now..

Our family sponsors a child through compassion. We chose a child who had been on a waiting list the longest.

that is a lovely idea. i think that you might choose all the deets like boy, girl etc

Receiving progress reports and photos is a highlight; great to see the difference our sponsorship is making to our sponsor child’s life and that of the family too. It is such a rewarding thing to do.

Yes; love it and happy to give it! We support young girls in other countries with their education as it is the key to them not being in poverty. I am fully aware that some of the money goes to admin too; however that is also a necessity. We love receiving progress reports; letters and photos.

Oxfam is wonderful ..they have stores in some shopping centers where you can buy Fair Trade Products and Gifts. Or just google Oxfam. http://www.oxfam.org.au has a great section called unwrapped where you can buy seeds or goats etc for people living in poverty.

Wonderful of you and your family to think about other people in need. thank you.

I have always wanted to sponsor a child but always wondered how much of the money actually goes to them

Maybe check how much money actually goes ok. Admin fees and how much actually gets to the child and it’s family. To decide on which charity you go with.

No, I’m afraid I’ve heard too many bad stories about too many of these organisations. We support the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre – Sydney is a misnomer as it assists children nationally and internationally. Getting a cochlear implant is life changing for a deaf child and their family, and I know the money is actually getting to real children in need. Similarly, SIDS and KIDS and Lifeline are charities I know make a real difference.

yes I have sponsored 2 children via world vision a little Hindi boy Arman born in 2008 and a little Garhwali girl Bharti born in 2000 (both Indian ) the money from my sponsorship does not go directly to the child it goes to the community to be able to provide empowering opportunities that these children would not receive otherwise such as sports equipment for schools a wall painting at a school E.D.A support to families also school furniture annualy you will receive contact in the form of ongoing photos, drawings and progress reports regarding the sponsored children after 2 years of sponsorship you are also allowed to make a community visit to meet the kids and look at the projects that you contribute to its so heart warming when you receive a letter .

We haven’t actually sponsored a child but via oxfam we buy gifts for families in Africa like seeds, animals, and so on its great.
What a wonderful thing you are looking at doing.

I always wonder how much of that money actually gets to the children??