Meeting your sponsored child is an incredible experience that will 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.

Completed Sponsor Visit Application Form.
Signed Child Protection Policy.
Photocopy of your passport.
Valid police check (for anyone over 18).

Mailed in February of the following year

Most of our sponsors make monthly donations, but you can arrange quarterly or annual donations. Let our Sponsorship Manager know what you prefer.

Visa/Visa Debit,MasterCard/Debit MasterCard, pre-authorized bank withdrawals.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Include the child’s full name and Child ID found on the profile page in your welcome package.

Envelope size should be no larger than 6” x 9” and contain flat paper only.

Many children have expressed great joy at receiving letters and small treasures, such as bookmarks, greeting cards, stickers, and photos.

Do not include your mailing address, e-mail address, or social media contact info.

Mail your letter to the International Needs office or e-mail letters to sponsorship@internationalneeds.ca.

Sponsorship Manager
International Needs Canada
230 – 1119 Fennell Ave E.,
Hamilton ON L8T 1S2

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.

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.

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 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.

View here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact our office or fill in the gift form. We’ll transfer it securely to our partner.