NGO opens doors to supporters for interactive behind-the-scenes look

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Last night, almost 200 new sponsors from around the GTA arrived at World Vision's national office for answers to their most burning questions, at the organization's Ride the Wave event. 

"We wanted to give supporters the opportunity to come out with their kids and get their questions answered in an open, interactive and fun setting," says event organizer, Dannet Tulloch.

One of the night's most impactful and innovative interactions was a live Skype call from Canadian sponsor, Bonnie Lawrence, to her sponsor child in the Dominican Republic, Katerin.

"I love you so much," says Lawrence in Spanish, holding up one half of a heart that Katerin sent to her. "I love you too," says Katerin, holding up her half of hand-drawn valentine.

Other highlights of the evening included:

• Build IT! - A game where players worked together to build a community project in Kenya
• A replica of a child-friendly space that is built in response to emergencies such as tsunamis and earthquakes
• Grown-up sponsor child, Edgardo Gonzales, who shared the story of how sponsorship transformed his childhood in the Philippines
• And an open town hall Q&A with a panel of experts, including World Vision President, Dave Toycen.

"When you sponsor a child, you are part of bringing positive change to places where there is need," says World Vision President, Dave Toycen. "Thank you for being here tonight, and for your support."

At the end of the evening, supporters agreed that they were leaving with a far better understanding of what their dollar actually does. Judy Powell, a Mississauga resident who sponsors 13-year-old Ludemane in Haiti, even stood up during the Q&A to say thank-you.

"Tonight was a wonderful opportunity to see how World Vision works in different countries, and for me to meet other sponsors," says Powell. "Hearing the stories and having my questions answered, confirmed that I am truly helping Ludemane lead a better life.

"World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Image with caption: "Canadian sponsor Bonnie Lawrence (second to right), shows her heart to her sponsor child, Katerin, during a live Skype call at World Vision's Ride the Wave event. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130503_C3270_PHOTO_EN_26306.jpg

Image with caption: "World Vision President, Dave Toycen thanks sponsors for their commitment to children around the world. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130503_C3270_PHOTO_EN_26307.jpg

Image with caption: "World Vision President Dave Toycen speaks with former sponsor child, Edgardo Gonzales (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130503_C3270_PHOTO_EN_26304.jpg

Image with caption: "200 World Vision sponsors do the wave at the organization's Ride the Wave event on May 2, 2013. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130503_C3270_PHOTO_EN_26305.jpg

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

Kim Rupnarain, 416.846.3953; [email protected]

Julia Rim Shepard, 416-722-8770; [email protected]