Spring – a time for hope Dear friend As winter turns to spring and we begin to think about the possibilities that summer brings, I am reminded of how important having a sense of hope is. In July I travelled to Niger in West Africa and the reality I found surprised me. West Africa has been in the grip of a severe food crisis with some 18 million people affected, but despite all the reasons for despair, the people there still carry hope. I was lucky enough to see people who, instead of succumbing to circumstances, were determined to do all they could to protect their children from the worst effects of the crisis – like the mothers I saw carrying 25-litre jerry cans of water and bringing it to their children. I also saw how funds from generous Australians like you were saving lives. In one area I visited, only two children had died from malnutrition. Read more about my experience on page 12.
Above: Tim Costello visits a World Vision-suppor ted nutrition clinic on his recent trip to Niger. Photo Adel Sarkozi/World Vision
Where do World Vision funds go? This chart demonstrates how World Vision Australia spent total funds in 2011. See page 121 of our Annual Report 2011 for more info: worldvision.com.au/AboutUs/AnnualReportsAndReviews.aspx
The theme of hope is also clear in our story about a couple from country Victoria who recently visited their sponsored child in Bangladesh (see page 6 and 7). Ron and Maureen Gardner were motivated to sponsor a child after travelling to the region in 2007 where they witnessed abject poverty and great need.
Fundraising
9.4% Administration
9.4%
So it was with a heavy heart and great hope that they returned to Bangladesh this year to meet 12-year-old Rina. From all reports, the visit was life-changing – not only for the couple but also for their family, including their grandchildren who regularly write letters and draw pictures for Rina. The visit left them with an overwhelming wish to do more. This is a sentiment that many of you share, and one I recently witnessed first-hand. Midyear, I participated in Run Melbourne as a member of Team World Vision. That’s a group of runners who fundraise to help World Vision supply emergency food overseas. Team World Vision events are filled with hope – hope that you’ve trained enough, hope that people will donate to your fundraising, hope that you can inspire people to join the team. Thank you for helping us to make a lasting difference to children around the world. If you are looking for ways that you can help us spread this hope, see page 8 and 9 for a preview of what will be available in our gift catalogue this Christmas.
Our work
81.2% For a further outline of how World Vision Australia used funds in 2011, see page 118-129 in our Annual Report.
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Shalom, Tim Costello
AC F I D
Cover: Surrounded by smiling children in Niger, Tim Costello witnessed the impacts of the West Africa Food Crisis firsthand. Photo Adel Sarkozi/World Vision
This magazine includes references to organisations, products and initiatives which are not official endorsements by World Vision Australia.
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Sokheng, aged four, suffers frequently with fever and can barely stand without support. Photo: Vichheka Sok/World Vision
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