What is sponsorship?
A sponsor is a person who provides financial support to enable sponsored children to receive food, clothing, shelter, education, medical needs, spiritual and loving care.
Our files are filled to overflowing with requests from developing countries crying for sponsorship for the many children we are assisting through our Homes, Basic Schools and Day Care Centres. These represent 22 countries and 29 Salvation Army territories and commands.
How did The Salvation Army get involved with child sponsorship?
The child sponsorship program in Canada was originally established through the home league department with an official policy in 1969 of $5.00 per month, per child, anywhere in the Army world. From this small beginning, the program has grown, and we now have hundreds of sponsors who partner with us in this important and vital ministry.
Though considerably small in size and less structured than many other such programs, we operate on very simple lines and handle all sponsorships within Salvation Army operated homes, institutions and day-care centres around the world. Upon receiving your reply, we'll send you a sponsorship package which includes a brief case history and photograph of a child in the country of your choice. We endeavor to maintain a periodic link through reports or brief letters handled by the officer-in-charge
What good does it do?
Is this Program worthwhile? We feel it is. Jesus died for all the children - the world's children need our prayers and concerns. They are innocent victims of war, power struggles and aggression. Many are stateless, rootless and unwanted. Others are victims of broken families, confused and missing the security and the shelter of a loving home and often with the stability that only faith can give. It is impossible to know the total impact upon the hearts and minds of thousands of young children from a multitude of backgrounds and cultures who come under the Army's care in countries around the world. It is certain, however, that everyone of them hear and see the Gospel preached during the time they are with us, and, every once in a while, a true success story comes to light.
What does it cost?
Basic sponsorship cost per child is a minimum of $300 annually, or you may pay in monthly instalments of $25.00. You also have the option to sponsor a project The money received at our territorial headquarters is forwarded in total to the designated territory or command. Christmas and/or birthday money should also be sent via territorial headquarters.
More FAQs about sponsoring a child through The Salvation Army
How do I go about becoming a sponsor?
On the attached application form, you will find a list of territories and commands where The Salvation Army operates this program and have children available for sponsorship. Just follow these easy steps:
How to become a Sponsor
Please note that the application form is in Adobe Reader format (PDF) and you may need to
download the free reader.
Download and complete the application form (version fran'aise), suggesting three choices of where you wish to sponsor a child (in case there are no children waiting in your first choice). You may also choose between a boy or girl if you prefer.
Detach and mail the completed application, along with your donation made payable to The Salvation Army Sponsorship Program, to the address on the back of the brochure. Payment can be made by personal cheque, pre-authorized payment plan (which is now available), or with your credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) by calling 1- 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and specifying 'Child Sponsorship'. You must be a resident of Canada. Receipts will be issued.
If you would like to browse this information at leisure, download and print our Sponsorship Q&A Brochure (version fran'aise).
Remember, behind every act of love and compassion, there is one important person-YOU.
WILL YOU HELP US? SPONSOR A CHILD TODAY!
The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters
Child Sponsorship Program
2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4
Tel: (416) 422-6164 | Fax: (416) 422-6133
E-mail: child_sponsorship@can.salvationarmy.org