“He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them”
Matthew 9:36
We can move with compassion this Christmas
In a world filled with darkness, we believe a movement of compassion can bring light for all to see. It shines brightly when we come together, sharing words of encouragement and giving meaningful gifts. These are tangible reminders that every person is seen and loved.
As we celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth this Christmas, we can move together with compassion by helping our local church partners provide an impactful gift to every child in Compassion’s program. Through the many challenges they may face, these gifts serve as a beacon of hope, reminding every child that they are known, and dearly loved. You can also encourage the child you sponsor by sending them a thoughtful Christmas card.
You can bring joy today by giving to the Christmas Gift Fund and by sending a Christmas card to the child you sponsor.
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How does the Christmas Gift Fund work?
When you give to Compassion’s Christmas Gift Fund, you equip our local church partners to give a personalized Christmas gift to every child in Compassion’s programs around the world.
Christmas gifts are delivered in one of three ways:
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Children and their families attend a Christmas gathering at their local Compassion centre, where they receive gifts and celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth.
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Compassion centre staff will hand-deliver Christmas gifts to each child’s home, taking the time to share in the joy of the season with each family.
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Compassion centre staff will facilitate cash transfers, empowering parents and caregivers to choose and buy a gift for their child.
In every case, Christmas gifts are given by local Compassion staff and volunteers who personally know each child and their family. Our local church partners take extra care to ensure that every child feels known and loved and is reminded of Jesus’ love for them.
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For Camila in Mexico, a gift through the Christmas Gift Fund meant getting her first warm blanket.
11-year-old Camila lives with her mother, Marisol, and her two-year-old sister, Karen. Camila’s mother works full-time at a bakery to support the basic needs of her two girls.
Earning around CAN$9 a day, Marisol has a tight budget. Despite this, she always tries to make Christmas special for her girls. She is very thankful to Compassion’s program for giving useful gifts to Camila. Camila’s favourite Christmas presents have been a cozy, thick blanket, which her little sister also loves, and a double-faced winter jacket.
During the year, the centre staff’s regular visits to the children’s homes help them to understand each family’s needs.
“That year, we realized that most families really needed thick blankets that could last for many years,” says Nelly, a centre staff member. “There are also many families that share a bed and one blanket for all.”
Camila still remembers her joy as she opened the package. “That same day they gave me the blanket, I opened it as soon as I got home and used it to sleep at night from that night on,” she says. “I am very grateful to have my first thick and warm blanket.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Compassion centre staff and volunteers will make every effort to get letters and gifts delivered to children and their families in time for Christmas. However, sending gifts and letters by the October 31st deadline gives them the greatest chance of arriving before Christmas.
Typically, Compassion centres host Christmas gatherings that are often the highlight of the year in many communities. Together, they celebrate with food, stories, music, dancing and more, and Compassion children receive their Christmas gifts. Here is just one example of what a Christmas celebration looks like at a Compassion centre around the world.
No matter what the celebrations look like, local Compassion staff and volunteers are tenaciously committed to sharing Jesus’ love with the children and families they serve. They connect with every child and family by delivering gifts, praying with them and reminding them of the good news of Jesus!
Compassion centre staff stay in close communication with families about gifts that are delivered as cash transfers. In the case of cash transfers, the decision of what to purchase is ultimately made by the child’s caregiver. In some cases, we recognize that meeting the family’s critical needs will be the right choice in the best interests of the child. Caregivers are well-equipped to make this choice for their families. Compassion’s use of cash transfers is in alignment with leading poverty alleviation research highlighting the effectiveness of cash transfers as they empower parents and caregivers with choice.
About Compassion
As one of the world’s leading child development organizations, Compassion partners with the local church in 29 countries to end poverty in the lives of children and their families through our proven holistic child development program.
Today, more than two million children and their families are discovering lives full of promise and purpose as they develop in all aspects of their lives—minds, bodies and relationships—while discovering God’s love for them in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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