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Get Involved: Sponsoring a Child (by Michael Chong)

While turning on the television early Saturday morning and scanning through the channels, something may catch your eye - the sight of a starving child appears on the screen.  You notice the tattered clothing; the shoeless feet; the limp body; the sunken face of a hungry child. Your eyes direct you to the background; a sod straw house, dark and filthy and something you have never experienced before. Suddenly a person walks into the picture: a tidy, neat, well dressed individual.  They begin to explain the suffering children in a foreign third-world nation.  You hurriedly flip the channel not to miss your favourite morning cartoon.

This routine is common among many who pass by these shows.  Later, you may think back to the child and the person, saying to yourself, “must be another one of those scams that take your donation money for profit.” We are so prone to be defensive when it comes to money that we fail to recognize that there are also many organizations out there that really do provide actual support for children, families and communities. Then the question is, how do we differentiate between what is false and what is true? How does one see behind the TV screen to what is really going on in the world?  It is one simple solution, and it is to be “aware”.

To be aware means to know about characteristics of such charity organizations and what they do.  There are three points to consider when deciding which sponsorship program to join.

Mission or Policy of the Organization

Every charity organization has its own mission unique to others, though all have a common goal in mind: to help. A reputable charity will in no doubt describe in detail what it is that they are trying to accomplish. Some of them are based upon religious beliefs while others assume a primarily economic perspective. Depending on your own standpoint, you may feel reluctant to join a religious charity and look for a more neutral one.

Another aspect of their mission is the role they play in the foreign nation. Do they help individual children or do they work in a community of children? Many charities group their funds to help out a community. The reason is not hard to see. Imagine a village of children where one child gets sponsorship and another does not. One has better food and clothing while the other lives in poverty. That’s just not fair. As a result, many charities work for the betterment of an entire population, for example, by constructing schools or providing healthcare.

Yet another target they may consider is helping the adults in the area. If adults are economically prosperous, then the children will benefit from this as well. Thus, sometimes money is given to agricultural research and training for adults.

So why do some charities mask their mission from their advertisements? The objective is not to trick you into giving donations, but just a strategy to attract more funds. For example, many people would rather give money to help a child than donate to some arbitrary fund for agricultural improvements.

Amount of Information

If a charity is cloudy about their mission and will not discuss it further with you, then it is not worth wasting time over. A decision cannot be made without clear knowledge of their goals.  Luckily, there are plenty of resources waiting for you to browse. Most charities will provide pamphlets, magazines, and reports outlining what they do and how they do it.

An important report to look for is the expenditure report. This tells you how money is distributed within the organization and most importantly, how it is used overseas. Nowadays, technology is so advanced that there is a great deal of information to be found online. Look for the organization’s website and read about what they have to offer. Ask them to clarify anything that they say through e-mail correspondence or even in person. If their answers do not meet your expectations then consider another charity.

How Your Money is Spent

Each charity has a variety of expenses it must cover to stay active.  These include common administrative fees such as postage, wages, advocacy costs, and so on.  These are paid for by donations from supporters. Not to worry though: usually 95% to 100% of your money is going to aid. Make sure you are aware that the amount of money you give to the charity is also under your control. Finally, although the television advertisements tell you about monthly payments, charities also like one-time donations - another possibility you may want to explore.

There are millions of young children that need aid and assistance. Child sponsorship is one way you can make a difference in the lives of those living in poverty-stricken countries.  The means by which you want to make your donations and the conditions thereof are set by you. To avoid being tricked, be aware of the purpose of the charity and make sure they answer all your questions. As incentive, charities will often give you pictures of the child you are sponsoring and a variety of letters and artwork. After all, it is satisfying to know that you are helping that young child on the television screen.

Sources

“Understanding Child Sponsorship.” Charities Review Council. 28 June 2004.  29 October 2004. <http://www.crcmn.org/index.html>.

“How Sponsorship Works.” World Vision Canada. 29 October 2004.  <http://www.worldvision.ca/home/sponsor-a-child/how-sponsorship-works/>.

“Sponsor a Child.” Kids Alive International. 2004. 29 October 2004.  <http://www.kidsalive.ca/sponsor_a_child.htm>.

“Tips on Sponsorship Organizations.” BBB Wise Giving Alliance. 1997. 29 October 2004. <http://www.give.org/tips/childsponsor.asp>

“Myths of Child Sponsorship - Audio.” NPR – National Public Radio. 18 March 1998. 29 October 2004.  <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1010365>.

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