Child Empowerment Information
What you need to know
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Our experience with sponsorship | Empowering children since 1974 |
| Number of children currently enrolled | 2,600 |
| Participating countries | Bangladesh, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nepal, Uganda, Ghana and Zambia |
| Seeing it for yourself | |
|---|---|
| Visiting the children | Meeting your sponsored child or visiting a group program is an incredible experience that will probably change your life and perspective forever. Please let us know at least 3 months ahead so we can process your documents and coordinate with our partners who will guide you on your trip. |
| Documentation required for visits | Complete Sponsor Visit Application Form. Signed Child Protection Policy. Photocopy of your passport. Valid police check (for anyone over 18) |
| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Tax Receipts | Mailed in February of the following year |
| Your donation | Most of our sponsors make monthly donations, but you can arrange quarterly or annual donations. Let our Sponsorship Manager know what you prefer. |
| Donation options | Visa/Visa Debit,MasterCard/Debit MasterCard, pre-authorized bank withdrawals. |
| Something changed? | To change the way you make your donation, or to provide new card information, give us a call and speak to our Sponsorship Manager. 1.888.702.9805. |
DETAILS FOR INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
| Communicating with your Sponsored Child | |
|---|---|
| Writing to your Sponsored Child | We encourage you to write regularly to your sponsored child. It’s possible that neither the child nor their parents have ever received a letter in the mail! |
| Cultural Considerations | The culture in Canada is very different from the country of your sponsored child, so when writing, keep it simple! Be sensitive about their customs and share some of yours. |
| Letter Writing Guidelines | Write about things they can relate to, such as your family, country, hobbies, interests, and favourite Bible verse. Let them know you’re praying for them. Avoid talking about material possessions, money, or vacations. |
| Information to include | Include the child’s full name and Child ID found on the profile page in your welcome package. |
| About the envelope | Envelope size should be no larger than 6” x 9” and contain flat paper only. |
| What else to include in the envelope | Many children have expressed great joy at receiving letters and small treasures, such as bookmarks, greeting cards, stickers, and photos. |
| For your safety and privacy | Do not include your mailing address, e-mail address, or social media contact info. |
| Where to send your letter | Mail your letter to the International Needs office or e-mail letters to sponsorship@internationalneeds.ca. |
| Our mailing address | Sponsorship Manager International Needs Canada 230 – 1119 Fennell Ave E., Hamilton ON L8T 1S2 |
| Letters from your sponsored child | Children write their letters at scheduled times. Some schools build letter writing into the school curriculum to teach reading and writing skills. Children who are unable to write their own letters may draw pictures or have a teacher or friend write on their behalf. |
| Expect delays | Letters from your sponsored child may be delayed by slow postal service, difficult roads during rainy season, school year timing differences, and translation. We hope you’ll be patient. |
| Social media | You may NOT communicate with your sponsored child via social media. If you receive a friend request, DO NOT respond, but contact us at info@internationalneeds.ca or 1.888.702.9805. |
| We review all communication | We review all communication to ensure it’s culturally sensitive and appropriate. We do this to protect the safety of the children we serve, and to comply with our Child Protection Policy. |
| Our Child Protection Policy | View here. |
| When a child graduates or moves away | A child may leave the program if their family moves from the area, if their home situation improves, or if the family chooses to no longer participate in the program. In this case, we’ll notify you and match you up with a new child. |
| Special Gifts for your Sponsored Child | |
|---|---|
| Sending special gifts (money only) | You may send a monetary gift through our office for special occasions such as your sponsored child’s birthday, Christmas, or Easter. We cannot send packages or physical gifts due to high postage and customs fees, and the risk that your gift will be lost or stolen en route. |
| What if you send us a packaged gift? | We donate most packaged gifts to a local charity on your behalf. We thank you for your generosity towards your sponsored child, but we don’t have extra funds to pay for return postage. |
| How special gifts are spent | The trusted teachers, pastors, and leaders in your child’s community receive the funds, consult with the parents, and purchase a gift that will help your sponsored child the most. |
| To send a special monetary gift | Contact our office or fill in the gift form. We’ll transfer it securely to our partner. |
Resources
get updates
contact us
International Needs Canada
Toll-free: 1-888-702-9805
Office: 1-905-389-1118
Email: info@internationalneeds.ca
Address: 230-1119 Fennell Ave E.,
Hamilton, On, Canada, L8T 1S2
Charity Number: #12994 3072 RR0001