Fun-loving, compassionate and faithful. That’s what Edith* will tell you about herself. We felt all those heart-happy characteristics as we connected with this supporter who has been a faithful sponsor through Children Believe for 40 years.
The teacher, who also worked in Christian youth ministry with her late husband, has provided safe spaces for children and teenagers at work, home and through Children Believe throughout her life. Her commitment to child sponsorship began when she was a teenager.
We’ll let Edith tell you more about why she gave, why she still gives and what legacy she hopes to leave after decades of seeing children graduate from our programs.
Tell us about how you first became a child sponsor
It was at a concert, through a message from Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (now Children Believe). I remember them putting different images of children up and saying: ‘You can sponsor a child, and they’ll get an education.’ And, at the time, it cost maybe $20. So, I said, absolutely!
You’ve sponsored a lot of children in Burkina Faso, specifically those at a specialized school. Can you tell us about that?
I was open to sponsor a child from anywhere. And, my first was a boy from Burkina Faso who attended a deaf school. I sponsored him for years. Then he graduated. [Your team] asked if I wanted another child so I said, ‘Yes please, can I support someone from the same school?’ I thought, I’m not only supporting the child, I’m supporting that school. Eventually the school itself graduated.
I continued to support Burkina Faso. And that’s where I’m at today. I don’t even know how many children [I’ve sponsored].
Editor’s note: Our records show Edith has helped six children! But our archives don’t go back to when she began sponsoring, so she likely helped many more kids and families reach their dreams.
Is supporting children and education important to you since you’re a teacher?
Well, as a teacher, I know education is important, and I don’t mean that in terms of an institution. But education is giving an opportunity to learn more about life, learning how to learn, loving to learn, finding ways to make life better for yourself and for others.
That’s why I love (Children Believe), and I fit into that even before I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I’m an educator at heart.
You’re a legacy giver. Why is a legacy gift is so important to you?
I give regularly to different things, and I’m happy to do that. [Legacy giving] really wows me!… It gets me REALLY excited. If I can give a big gift, let’s give it to make the world a better place. To me, that’s a no-brainer.
You’ve already left an amazing legacy in the past 40 years. Thank you. How do you feel about that?
That one little decision way back then has morphed into 40 years of giving. It makes me feel good that something that’s accumulated seems like a bigger deal. So now there is significance to it…. I started it, I continued it, and it goes on without me.
Children Believe is part of [God’s] plan, clearly! It’s been around a long time, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Sponsor a child today, and prepare your Will for tomorrow. We can help simplify the process through our partnership with Willfora, Will-writing experts. Create your Will online through their complimentary, confidential, secure Will-writing platform.
*Edith prefers to share her first name only, along with a photo from her youth. We think it’s a fitting tribute to a woman who has helped so many children and youth in Canada and around the world.