Sponsoring kids overseas...question...

[Catty1]

Not sure if I am cynical, skeptical, or if this is just the way things are.

Many years ago my sister invited me to co-sponsor a young girl in India. I agreed, and after my sister became sicker and said she was stopping her sponsorship, I called the organization and took over the whole thing.

It is a US org, so no tax deductions, but I was happy to do it. Pictures don't lie, and I got one per year.

When this girl reached about 15 years of age, I received a letter from the org that the family had moved and none of the field workers had been able to locate them. The letter said that in such communities families often move when work becomes available. With that letter came information on another child that needed sponsoring, and sad though I was, I sponsored this new girl for a number of years.

Lately she had finished a tailoring course, as the academic style didn't suit her well. The course was sponsored by the org and she was looking for work.

Today I got a letter with a new picture of her - she looks like a beautiful confident and serene young woman. Wow!

Today I also got a separate letter about HER family moving and the workers can't trace them and often the families in such communities move when there is work. There is a wonderful new girl to sponsor.

Okay, it's only twice in about 15 years...but am I being overly suspicious about the 'moving-can't-find' story? Likely not....I just wanted your input.

Thanks.

[pomtzu]

I've never been involved in any child sponsor programs, but what you say doesn't seem that out of line - IMO. Why don't you just do a check on the organization and see what you can dig up on them and make sure that they are 100% legit. I'm always seeing an ad on t.v. for one of them, but I can't think of the name of it to save my soul.


ETA:
Got it now - it's:

Child Fund Intl - formerly Christian Children's Fund

[Craftlady]

I'm always seeing an ad on t.v. for one of them, but I can't think of the name of it to save my soul.

www.worldvision.org
Very good organization. Family Christian Book Stores (national store) has sponsorships for children in their stores.
You can also get information on worldvision website.

[lvpets2002]

Sounds a little fishy to me too.. I am sorry but I just get into stuff like this due to we have plenty of people in the USA that need help..

[Catty1]

The organization in question is Children International. I mention that now because they do have a program where a person can sponsor a child in the USA.

Sadly nothing for Canada yet, even in Canadian organizations like that.

[Grace]

Maybe not the exact thing you have been doing, but Google Canadian organizations for disadvantaged children and see what you come up with. A cursory glance showed lots of venues for helping kids.