World Vision - Donor Testimonials

Please note all compliments shown are exactly as they were received for the sake of authenticity.
All personal information has been removed for security purposes.

September 2011

I just wanted to say how impressed I was by a World Vision representative who just came by my house. His name is Jesse and I was extremely impressed by how he handled our door-to-door sales interaction. He was incredibly friendly, knew the facts and was genuinely interested in hearing about my situation as well as telling me about World Vision. He was engaging and made connections between what I said and his personal experiences which made the whole experience enjoyable. I didn't feel any pressure at all and after he left I felt positive about our interaction and World Vision in general. The reason I wanted to take the time to write this email is because we receive a lot of door-to-door sales people for both business and charity and I have never met a person who was so good at what they do when it comes to this type of selling.

August 2011

Just a mention regarding the representative Charles that came to my door last week. He seemed very personable and knowledgeable regarding World Vision. I have thought about becoming a sponsor for quite a few years now, and it was hard to not sign up when a person is standing in front of you. Some people would be offended by door to door canvassing, such as feeling pressured. However, since I had already been thinking of sponsorship, this just gave me the little nudge that I needed to follow through.
Deborah

I just wanted to send my compliments regarding Kamal who I met today. She was very friendly and personable and so easy to talk to. She was not pushy at all, and made me feel very comfortable asking questions about your program. She was also very accommodating - my husband is deployed right now and I wanted to speak to him before signing us up, so she offered to call me tomorrow or come back at any time that worked for us. Kamal speaks very passionately about sponsoring a child with World Vision and she is obviously very committed. She came by my house in the afternoon, and I saw her again in the evening when I was visiting a friend for supper and she stopped by their house. I saw her again on my way home this evening, and she was still out working hard! My husband, daughter and I are very happy to be a part of this, and your organization is very fortunate to have someone like Kamal working with you!

July 2011

Good morning,

Chris stopped by my house last night as part of his efforts to find sponsors for disadvantaged children. Chris made a wonderful impression – he is personable and clearly dedicated to this work. He did an excellent job of explaining the child sponsorship program and provided a considerable amount of useful information on World Vision. I had considered myself very familiar with this organization, but learned a great deal over the course of Chris' visit. I almost never invite "strangers" who come to my door into my house, preferring to conduct any business at the door, but my sense of Chris' sincerity and trustworthiness led me to invite him in and I am pleased that I did. I should also mention that I indicated early in the discussion that I would sponsor a child and Chris could very easily have left much sooner to continue his work, but took the time to ensure that everything was clear and correct and that I was comfortable with the details. I meet many young people in my work and I have to say that my encounter with Chris will be with me for a long time, indeed. He is an outstanding representative for World Vision.

June 2011

I just met one of your representatives on the corner of pacific boulevard and Davie in Vancouver. I would like to take some time and tell you about my experience with Mariette. After a long day of work I'm usually not in the mood to stop and talk to anyone but in this case it was a pleasure meeting Mariette today. For the 10 or so minutes I talked to her I could tell she has a genuine passion for helping these children. I know how hard it is to stop people on the street and try and talk to them about sponsoring a child and although I am not in the right place or time in my life to sponsor someone I would like to let you know that she is doing a great job out there and I wish her all the best!

May 2011

Hi my name is Vanessa (& Vince)

Setareh came to our door on Saturday. I opened the door to a warm smile, and polite young lady. She didn't want to waist our time. My fiancé (Vince) isn't the type to listen to what door to door people have to say, but as she started talking to me, he came down the stairs. He listens to what this passionate lady had to say. As it was obvious she believes so strongly about this, he almost tear up. He said to Setareh "if you come back next week, we will be happy to sponsor a child. We would like to talk about it first" Vince isn't the type of person to make decisions right then and there. I've always wanted to be involved in the program! Sure enough, on Monday evening. Here comes Miss Setareh at the door again. Vince said "you held your word!" So as I'm writing you this, I'm happy to say that Miss Setareh was wonderful! I'm very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting her! And to take her time to do such a wonderful thing! Thanks again Setareh :) You made my night!

April 2011

I just wanted to take a moment from my busy schedule to share. I was walking this afternoon and passed the Yonge and Eglinton intersection where an incredible personality introduced herself to me. It was one of your representatives for World Vision child sponsorship program. She had an amazing energy that just had me smile and her particular sense of humour assisted too. She makes good contact - comfortable and safe yet certainly strong with the urgency to get taken seriously so as to be heard. She does so without being offensive, well done!!! Thought I might pass this forward so you know. Unfortunately I am not able to help at this time. My personal situation is "recovering from crisis" and not yet able to give financially. You may be interested in the work I do. Hopefully soon my business will be financially successful and I will be able to contribute to child sponsorship program. I do love children.

Keep up the good work in making a difference.
Marilyn

Resident Email
Hello, my name is Cory. I recently sponsored a child after being visited by one of your representatives. Amanzao Chris Edwards is a wonderful person, and his commitment to your cause was inspiring. I can't help but think that if everybody in the world had a conversation with him about World Vision, you would have all the sponsors you could ever need. Tell him to keep up the good work, for he is quite clearly making a difference.

Sincerely,
Cory.

March 2011

I'm writing to express my support and admiration of the World Vision worker who came to my home this past week. His name is Abakasanga and he is a wonderful young man who showed such enthusiasm and dedication to the work that I was unable to keep myself from donating. He was eloquent, warm, and funny, and all this on a truly freezing cold Tuesday night in Montreal. This was my first time sponsoring and I was slightly hesitant and so asked Abakasanga if I could have some time to consider. He was glad to help and willingly came back a short time later to complete my sponsorship. I felt happy to support my sponsor and equally happy to support Abakasanga in his work. Thank you for sending such an inspirational young person to represent your cause. He will help you a great deal!

Merci,
Jayne.

February 2011

This evening we had a visit from a very special young lady, Kayla who opened our eyes to the beauty of World Vision's sponsorship program. Normally we would not have spoken with any door to door canvasser, especially at 8:00pm. However we felt truly compelled and touched by her immaculate personality, passion for the cause and presentation. We had the opportunity to become a loving sponsor of a little girl name Samaria from Brazil. The story and love for the children Kayla displayed touched our hearts.

Kayla was incredibly fun and excited and although we had only just woken up we were all too thrilled to learn about her cause and sponsor a child. We've never thought of sponsoring a child before and we’ve seen the commercials a million times and never decided to call in. Hopefully our contribution to World Vision will make a difference and we have full faith in Kayla in her sponsorship mission. We believe she's saving the world one child at a time, her personality speaks volumes. Please ensure that this message finds its way to Kayla. We know deep down in the deepest depths of our heart and soul that Kayla will inspire others to do as we have done and make a difference for a child in need.

Thank you so much.

January 2011

I just wanted to drop a line and let you know that Chris is a very diligent advocate for your cause. It was one of our more horrible nights for snow this winter and Chris was at the door. Normally I wouldn't answer the door at night because no one usually comes to my house without calling ahead first. For whatever reason I answered the door and it must have been fate. He looked frozen to the core but still had a smile on his face. I invited him in, even though I was in my robe and flannel jammies for the night and listened to him passionately explain yours, and I believe, his cause. Now you have to realise that I am a single mother of two little girls, 4 & 6 and a 16 year old son and I understand how hard it is to have the funding to look after their basic needs and am very strapped for cash. However, seeing that Chris was trudging out in the ankle deep snow in his rather wet looking sneakers, in the middle of a snowstorm, I couldn't turn him away with a simple, "Sorry, but I can't help" so I listened to him and was presented with a few remaining photographs that he had. As he continued talking, I had already made up my mind that I would help. His words and the date on a photograph and the mere fact I opened the door that night, led me to believe that I was meant to do something. The date on the photograph was the day before my son’s birthday. A date that I would surely remember. The fact that I would hope if I befell worse times someone would sponsor my children, I felt compelled to sponsor Yoris. Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know what a wonderful and dedicated advocate you have in Chris who appears to be tirelessly working on your team for children of our world in need. I wish you all every continued success and hope that my meagre contribution helps to make even a slight change in our sponsored child's world. Chris, best of luck in all your endeavours and continued happiness and rewards in all areas of your life and your family's lives.

Kimberley.

We have been watching World Vision programming on television for years and often thought it was a great idea, however, we had 6 children of our own and put our resources into raising and educating them. Selfish, maybe, but they were our priority and responsibility. They are now all out in the world, responsible for themselves, and still we sat and listened to the pleas and did not respond. Earlier this week we had a visit from Chris. His enthusiasm, dedication, and persuasiveness were more than enough to persuade us to do the right thing and support World Vision. It was enlightening to listen to his presentation and feel the sincerity in his words. Thanks to Chris and to World Vision for the work that you are doing. We are looking forward to hearing of the improvements our modest donation can make to a disadvantaged child.

Sincerely:
Michael & Leona.

December 2010

Hello, I want to report that your representative Jennifer was cheerful and efficient when she visited me last week. I know your organization is Christian, and as a non-theist, I was pleasantly surprised that no issues of faith were presented. I trust that matters of religion are not an issue in your organization's choice of who to help! I chose to support a child and her community in Bangladesh--World Vision has a reputation of using its donated funds well and on that basis, I've committed myself to a long-term relationship with you.

Finally, thank-you, and thank-you Jennifer. I should have taken this step myself a long time ago; you reminded me of my responsibilities in a kind and gentle way.

Nick.

August 2010

Street Marketing Email:
My girlfriend and I were having dinner in the market (downtown Ottawa) a little while ago and Brad approached us to help sponsor a child. I told him that my family and I already sponsor a child and we have been for some time now. I would like to say that I am so moved and touched by Brad's ability to help others and his sincerity, compassion and pride he has for this cause. We are all human beings and we share this wonderful earth. It is so nice to see such a young individual so dedicated and committed to helping others. It was pouring rain out that day and Brad and some others were busy trying to speak with everyone. Please let your staff know how wonderful Brad is and that I will always remember that faithful day.

Thank you for all that you do and God Bless all of you.

Sincerely yours,
Shanie.

July 2010

I just wanted to share a very pleasant experience in our encounter with one of the canvassers working on the World Vision campaign. Rebecca is an extremely engaging young woman and was very knowledgeable about the cause. Unfortunately, because of financial setbacks we have had to stop all our charitable giving for some time. We have only just resumed a modest re-entry into the charitable stream and need to keep the course for a while longer, thus were unable to become involved in World Vision at this time. Rebecca was very understanding while maintaining a very professional demeanour. Even though we were unable to give, I was very blessed by her visit as I feel very encouraged by the cause and glad that the campaign continues to be supported by the concerted effort of this professional canvasser. I look forward to better times soon to come when we will be able to be more generous.

Thank you,
Sincerely,
Luba.

June 2010

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with one of your fundraisers, Brad, in the Byward Market in Ottawa. Although I am a student and cannot afford to sponsor a child at this time, I wanted to acknowledge Brad for his extensive knowledge of your organization and his professional attitude. I rarely stop to speak with fundraisers, but on this occasion I'm glad I did. Brad shows genuine passion towards his job and the work of World Vision. He was able to answer all of my questions and maintained a positive demeanour despite the fact that I was unable to commit to a sponsorship. My experience today definitely inspired me to sponsor a child in the future, when I have the funds to do so.

Please ensure that Brad knows he is doing an excellent job!

May 2010

Hello, I wanted to just send a quick note regarding your representative, Dasha. Her and her partner arrived at my door when World Vision was the farthest thing from my mind. Through her smile, great attitude and knowledge she made me realize that regardless of how important I felt the email was that I was working on it did not compare to the needs of these kids and their families and how little it actually took to make a difference in their lives. I regularly give to the local missions as my charity since I do believe you have to start at "home", however I believe in the concept of a hand up rather than a hand out and based on what Dasha told me that is what World Vision is all about. I truly hope that is the case. My daughters, 13 and 16 now believe they have a brother. Their reaction was "can't we sponsor a whole village?" I guess that is a good response and I hope to do more in the future. Dasha is a great ambassador to your cause and I wanted to let you know that.

Thanks,
Cindy.

April 2010

I just wanted to pass along a message to you about Gabriel who came to my door about one week ago as part of the fundraising campaign. Lucky for me and my son, Gabriel was in my home during an emergency whereby my son choked and suffered a seizure due to the total obstruction. Gabriel was instrumental in contacting the paramedics and flagging them down at the door. Gabriel arrived at my door again the next afternoon and I couldn't help but greet him with a heartfelt hug as did my friend who was also present at the time of the emergency. Gabriel was 'sent' to my home at the right time. Of course, both my friend and I sponsored a child! My son recovered quickly, thankfully, and is happy to have met Gabriel. Gabriel is a true gem.

Dianne.

Hello, I just want to take the time to say that initially when Jordyn approached my door I thought "Great, another solicitor." She was very friendly and seemed very authentic in the World Vision cause. Admittedly I am typically selfish; don't contribute a lot to any organization of this nature. Although when Jordyn showed me the card of Ana Maria, I was instantly taken aback, and when I was in Afghanistan as a soldier I saw a lot of girls with no homes or girls being traded back and forth like currency. In those days I didn't have time to think about it but now that I am no longer a serving member I have all the time in the world to think about what I did and what I saw over there. There was a time on a dusty road when my convoy was ambushed, in the haze of the violence and fear, I saw a girl standing with no arm. As cliché as it must sound I never did make it to her, and I never knew what happened to her after. I just hope that the little amount of money that I donate to Ana Maria grants her the opportunity to do what her heart desires.

Damien.

February 2010

I thought I would send you a quick note to let you know a door to door representative you have chosen for World Vision is outstanding. I was speaking with Rebecca on Saturday evening. She was more than understanding with my "phobia" of door to door solicitations after I explained the couple of bad experiences I had. Rebecca was astute enough to realize I am interested in helping, but I will not give out my information to anyone at my door. Unlike other representatives I have met she did not keep pressuring me into a commitment but gave me a pamphlet so I could sponsor a child on my own terms. If there was more representatives like this I can guarantee your sponsorships would increase. I have passed the phone number for World Vision onto everyone in my address book.

Thank you for choosing the right people.
Lorelee

January 2010

Hello, my name is Katrina and I had Brenda-Lynn come by and share some wonderful info and spirit. I get a lot of door to door reps and I have to say she's #1. She wasn't pushy; she kept her speech flowing so it didn't get boring. She definitely had my attention and she was full of energy, and it was freezing outside! I used to do quite a bit of door to door in the past and again 'she's good'! Great spirit, great product knowledge and great drive! I wasn't able to sponsor on the spot but when I do I would love this girl to get the credit because, honestly I don't usually do door to door business but Brenda got me and definitely if I could afford that Tim Horton's coffee a day I would have signed up with Brenda on the spot! Also one great thing that I loved that no door to door rep has ever done for me is when I responded no, I couldn't now, she still held a great attitude, was persistent but did not make me feel like bad for not being able to sponsor at that moment. GREAT JOB, HIRE MORE LIKE HER!!

Katrina.

June 2009

We had one of your reps come to our door some weeks ago. If it hadn't been for me donating 10% of my take home pay (yes I do that, year after year for 35 years now), I would have considered adopting a needy child in Africa! I really enjoyed my chat at the door with your rep, Jillian. She was informed, pleasant and warm. After talking with her, I hoped that there were others out there who don't give, or don't give enough who might be willing to share your cause. Just wanted to let you know that it seems to be more effective to have someone come to your door than T.V. advertising your cause. Its old fashioned yes, but maybe those are the measures needed.

January 2009

Resident Email:
Last night, a young lady named Samantha came by our house and told us all about the World Vision program and sponsoring a child. Even our 9yr old son, Nicholas, was listening to what she had to say. After spending approximately 30 minutes with us and answering all of our questions, Nicholas is now taking $1.00 a week out of his allowance to sponsor a boy his age, Hacen Sidi, from Mauritania. We are very proud of our son for wanting to do this. Samantha was telling us everything this program does and she was a pleasure to have come to our door on that Tuesday, January 6th. Thank you Samantha for making a difference in our home and in our son, Nicky.

July 2008

Resident Email:
I don't often do this but I wanted to take a moment to write in praise of a young man who came to my door this week. When I realized he was soliciting for World Vision, I told him I already sponsor three children and couldn't possibly do any more. He insisted on shaking my hand and thanking me profusely. We had a great chat about World Vision and the joys of child sponsorship and when he departed he left me with a child sponsorship form, even though I insisted I had nobody to give it to. Well, to make a long story short, I stared at that form on my kitchen table for a few days and I realized I couldn't bear to just throw it out. So I signed up to sponsor another child, a Hope Child, a 13-year-old girl from Rwanda. I can't wait to meet her. The rep's name is Craig and he was fabulous.

Thanks so much for this new blessing in my life.
Jackie

February 2008

Resident Email:
I’ve always been interested in sponsoring a child, I’ve seen many commercials and had it in mind, but never went about looking more into it. When Jesse came knocking on my door today, I couldn’t refuse. He’s a very inspiring person and I’m very excited to be getting involved. I plan to write to my sponsored child and eventually in the future make my way to visiting him! I’d like to help make a difference with this organization. Thanks so much for this opportunity!

Candice

October 2007

Resident Email:
“We received a visit from David. We (my husband and I) were so impressed by his own experience on a Peace Keeping mission we asked him to come back when our two 14 year old daughters were home so they could hear a little bit about his stories and not worry so much about their I-pods, etc. We are a family that tries to focus on an attitude of gratitude and sometimes we all get a lost in how lucky we are to live in Canada. It was refreshing to listen to David and because of his young age our girls actually did listen to him. Randy and I sponsored a little girl in Thailand and our daughters took on their own little girl, also in Thailand. Thank you so much for providing this avenue for us to help!”

February 2007

Resident email:
Hello. I met with one of your representatives today, Greg. I just wanted to comment on his outstanding job with representing everything your program is about. He was very informative and defiantly knew what he was talking about. He was very easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable about the situation. I have always thought about helping out or giving back somehow to the community and with my first hand knowledge of third world countries and all they need, I'm glad to finally get involved in such a great organization and I will do my best to help out any way I can.

Thank you,
Brittany

April 2006

Resident Letter:
Dear Sir, Madam,
I am writing to tell you about meeting one of your representatives, 'Errol'. For lack of better wording, I was literally blown away by him; what an incredible gentleman! He came to our home around 7pm on March 6th, and to be honest my first thought was 'here we go, another solicitor!' I opened the door to a young man beaming with enthusiasm, and passion for this very worthwhile cause. Not only was he very informative, but also very knowledgeable, explaining about himself and his upbringing in Jamaica. He spent roughly an hour here, and at the end of our meeting I was sorry he had to go. He opened our eyes to the problems children in third world countries face, more so than any TV commercial or newspaper ad. Because of Errol, I am proud to say that I am a World Vision sponsor. Thank you for sending this outstanding young man to our home.

March 2005

An elderly woman called in to the Feedback line with a compliment that shows just how wonderful Alex is. She said 'this young man was absolutely excellent! He did a superb job and reminded me how important the work that World Vision does, is!' The woman understood the long term commitment involved in sponsoring a child and so chose not to sponsor due to her failing health. She is heading into her nineties. Instead she decided to make a contribution in the form of a cheque to the Tsunami relief fund, to show her appreciation to World Vision. She was happy that 'it was a wonderful experience'

Resident Email:
Yesterday we were visited by Rob and Ramon encouraging us to sponsor one or more children. We had done so in the past and finally stopped due to some communication difficulties that really annoyed us. These two young men were straightforward, charming and clearly very adept salesmen. They suggested we think it over and they would stop by later in the evening, hopefully to sign us up. We have now signed up to once again sponsor a child. These two young men were frank enough to admit that some people have experienced similar difficulties and although they couldn't assure us a 'problem free' future, they suggested World Vision had improved it systems and politely encouraged us to undertake sponsoring a child. These two young men are a credit to your organization but being young, they will undoubtedly move on. However, while they are with you they certainly deserve kudos for their work.

Sincerely,
Steve and Erina

November 2004

Being a great Agent means being professional, upbeat very accommodating. Crystal made a huge positive impact on Darlene from Calgary who was amazed at the lengths that Crystal went to, in order to accommodate her busy schedule. Darlene says 'Crystal was so awesome! She came to my home on two different occasions, then once even to my business to work around my schedule!' She wanted Crystal to receive the credit she deserves and also says ' thank you for your diligence to me & your commitment to the World Vision program!' Because of Crystal's amazing work here, Darlene actually sponsored 4 children and is very excited to get started. Crystal this is some amazing work you've done here.

July 2003

Janis Sutherland left a great impression with a gentleman in Brantford while she canvassed for World Vision. Jim was happy to sponsor from such an upbeat, polite representative. Jim's 9 year old daughter had been wanting to sponsor a World Vision child and was excited to find out she could correspond with another little girl her age. Janis really made a difference in this household and Jim says thank you!

June 2003

Michael Dupont of Gatineau wrote a message on the bottom of his World Vision sponsorship form. He wanted World Vision to know that he was very impressed to see them gaining awareness and sponsors through door to door contact. He felt this was very efficient method of gaining sponsors. The charity was well represented by Robin, who left a positive impression with Michael.