World Vision is taking to the streets, the malls and the airwaves this summer to raise awareness about issues affecting children in developing countries and to enlist hundreds, even thousands of Quebecers as new child sponsors.
The province-wide campaign, known as Défi Québec: two months to change their world, runs from July 5 to September 6.
During that period, World Vision will be canvassing door-to-door and in public venues, as well presenting the challenge on TV and radio.
According to Isabelle Depelteau, Quebec Director for World Vision, representatives will demonstrate the positive impact of World Vision programs in the lives of children in the developing world, and encourage Quebecers to become involved through sponsorship.
"The goal of child sponsorship," says Depelteau "is to provide the resources that enable communities to ensure the well-being of children and families in a sustainable way. And it works."
Claudette Jones of St-Hubert agrees. Jones has been sponsoring Juan, a young boy in the Dominican Republic, for three years, and she was able to visit him in 2009. "I had the pleasure of holding his hand, talking with him, playing baseball with him, eating together and visiting his school. I saw the World Vision projects that help Juan and his entire community.
"I was able to see for myself that World Vision works to help children and their families get the most out of life."
In all, some 30,000 Quebecers sponsor children through World Vision. Depelteau believes that as the program becomes better known, more people will want to become involved. "For millions of children around the world, accessing such basic necessities as food, water, education and health care is a challenge," she says.
"This summer, World Vision is challenging Quebecers to do something tangible to help those children."
Quebec residents can sponsor a child by calling 1 800 363-5021 or online at www.visionmondiale.ca/defiquebec.
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