Child sponsorship allows you to connect with a specific child in need and make a profound difference in that child's life, family and community. Your sponsored child will know your name, write to you and receive benefits like clean water, nutritious food, healthcare and educational opportunities. Sponsor a child through World Vision or Compassion.

Christopher Redner, CEO of Children In Need, has visited dozens of child sponsorship projects around the world. He's seen the transformation that child sponsorship can facilitate. Read his article What's So Great About Sponsoring a Child?

"I've met thousands of children whose lives were better because they had child sponsors," Redner says. "These children received life-saving aid, education, skills training and so much more. But sponsorship is more than just giving physical aid. When a child discovers she has a sponsor from another country, it sends her a message that she is important.

You can develop a relationship with your sponsorsed child and her
family. You can be a source of encouragement to them and they can be inspirational to you.

"I've visited with so many children who had saved the cards and letters they have received from their sponsors. Many of those children told me they often pray for their sponsors and thank God for the blessings their families have received because they are sponsored."

Redner has encouraged thousands of people to sponsor children through concert tours, events, media interviews and the Children In Need Reports.

"You can change a child's life today by sponsoring a child through Compassion or World Vision." Redner says. "World Vision and Compassion are excellent charities with good reputations for providing excellent care. I sponsor children through both organizations. I've seen their child sponsorship programs at work and I can recommend them wholeheartedly."

You may have noticed that we don't ask for donations to Children In Need anywhere on our site or in other materials. If you want to give money, we'd be happy to recommend some great charities benefitting children. Here are some other ways you can make a difference for children in need.

Use your skills and experience in short-term project.

Identify yourself as a child sponsor on Facebook through the "Sponsoring a Child" page.

Watch FamilyNet's "At Home Live" interview with Christopher Redner. Call 253.874.8400 to have Christopher Redner speak to your group.

Children In Need is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of issues that impact children. We hope to encourage people to help and support children in need.

Canadian residents can sponsor children through Compassion Canada and World Vision Canada.