/R E P E A T -- SMALL VOICES, BIG DREAMS GLOBAL SURVEY/

Children living in poverty tell Canadians what they want for Christmas

MARKHAM, ON, Dec. 13 /CNW/ - As visions of sugar plums dance in the heads of Canadian children, children living in poverty around the world also dream of gifts on Christmas morning.  In a new, global survey, these children tell us in their own words what they would like to receive this holiday season - and their answer is surprising.

The majority of 10-12 year olds surveyed revealed their primary desire is education - not toys or clothes, but the chance to learn.  If they were leader of their country, they would improve or build more schools.  And if they were given a dollar, they would spend it on food; one in three children report going to bed hungry at least one night a week. 

The findings are part of the Small Voices, Big Dreams survey - a, multinational survey of nearly 3,000 children ages 10 to 12 in 30 developing countries.  [For complete survey results visit www.ccfcanada.ca/globalsurvey].  The survey was conducted by ChildFund Alliance, a global alliance of child development organizations, and tabulated by Ipsos Observer, an international research company. Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC), the Canadian affiliate of ChildFund Alliance, co-chaired this global survey.

"This Christmas, these children have shared with Canadians a poignant reminder that an education is the most important gift a child can receive," said Mark Lukowski, Chief Executive Officer, CCFC. 

About the Small Voices, Big Dreams Survey

The Small Voices, Big Dreams Survey was undertaken by the ChildFund Alliance in 2010.  Six-question surveys were administered to approximately 3000 children ages 10 to 12 in 30 developing nations. ChildFund submitted the results to Ipsos Observer, a global research firm, which tabulated the results.  The margins of error, at 95 percent confidence, is: total survey (+/- 1.7%).

About Christian Children's Fund of Canada

For more than 50 years, Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC) has helped children and families of all faiths break the cycle of extreme poverty around the world. Visit www.ccfcanada.ca.

For further information:

Philip Maher   
Direct: 905.754.1015                                  
Cell: 416.454.1620                                        
[email protected]