Making our funds work to help

Tanya Hutchens donates to PLAN

Resilient and effective

“Children and young people have been hit particularly hard by the earthquake in Haiti. However, they are often seen simply as victims in disasters whereas they can actually be as or even more resilient, creative and effective in coping with change as adults,” says Plan’s Director of Disasters and Humanitarian Response, Roger Yates.

“They also have great social and communication networks which could be key to not only getting this young nation back on its feet but preventing and minimizing the impact of future disasters.

“There is actually an opportunity to build better for the future of Haiti, but unless we listen to young people and actively involve them in protecting their homes and communities, then no significant change is going to be made.”

Plan Support

Up to now, young people rarely had a chance to be heard in Haiti. ”Before, the government completely excluded young people in this country. Now we need a new strategy,” says Jean Kency Vixama, aged 22.

Plan will work with children and youth groups to ensure that the government and the international community listen to their concerns. Supported by Plan facilitators, trained youth journalists will talk to children in different parts of Haiti, produce radio programmes, videos and blogs. The information they collect will be fed back into the reconstruction process.

Speaking out

Many young earthquake survivors have a very clear vision of what a new Haiti should look like. “I want that the rights of children are respected and that all children know what their rights are,” says 15-year-old Daphmika. “ I also want that everyone has access to education.”

Decentralization is another major concern. ”It is important that the reconstruction process in Haiti not only concentrates on Port-au-Prince. Otherwise people from other towns will keep on coming here and there will be more and more slums,” says 19-year-old Meite.

Sandy Hutchens is proud to make a donation to the Children’s Wish Foundation

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada needs your help to grant wishes for children coping with high-risk, life threatening illnesses.

Fulfilling a child’s wish provides a brief escape from the harsh reality of their lives and offers a little happiness. Restoring time for togetherness and much needed laughter, not only providing hope and strength to the child; it provides memories that will last a lifetime for the family. This can be an expensive proposition, considering that all of our wishes are designed to include the entire family.

By donating, fundraising or volunteering for the Foundation, you can help us continue our tradition of “never refusing an eligible child.”

Other Ways to Help

Don’t forget you can always donate to The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada through the United Way Campaign. Just specify your wishes on your pledge card.

Where does my money go?

Our success can be measured by the hundreds of moving letters we receive from families who have experienced the joy of a wish and by the smiling faces of the children in the photos that are sent to us. Often, the time we have to complete a request is limited; as a result, we require ongoing, year-round funding.

The true benefit of supporting The Children’s Wish Foundation is the knowledge that you have been responsible for bringing a special moment of joy into the lives of many special children diagnosed with high-risk, life threatening illnesses.