Christian Children's Fund of Canada:

A Snapshot.

CCFC is one of Canada's most experienced and respected international development organizations, focusing on the needs of children around the world.

Since 1960, CCFC has been creating a future of hope for children by linking them, their families and their communities to caring Canadians through a forward-looking program of child sponsorship.

Today, CCFC touches the lives of more than 250,000 boys and girls -- and millions more who live around them -- in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.

From one man's vision to a global partnership.

CCFC's roots date back to the late 1930s, when American medical missionary, Dr. J. Calvitt Clarke, began working with Chinese war orphans. Moved by their suffering, he created the China Children's Fund in 1938.

The organization expanded its work into Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War and became Christian Children's Fund (CCF). By the 1960s CCF had a global reach. Growing Canadian support led to the creation of Christian Children's Fund of Canada in 1960.

Fully independent, CCFC has its own Board of Directors and its own programs.

Children - and more.

CCFC is focused on the needs of children for basic necessities like food, water, clothing, shelter, education and health care.

CCFC meets these needs through an innovative program of child sponsorship that has an impact not only on the lives of sponsored children, but also their families and their communities.

Sponsorship funds provide village wells, clinics, schools, and training programs that lead to self-sufficiency.

The generosity of Canadian donors gives hope for the future, not only to sponsored children, but also to all those who live around them. It's a child-centred approach to development for the whole community.

CCFC At a Glance

• Founded 1960
• Completely autonomous Canadian organization
• Programs in 7 countries impacting 360, 000 children and their families
• Inspired by Christ's example of love
• Serves children and communities regardless of race or religious beliefs

A future of hope through self-sufficiency

The aim of CCFC is to create a future of hope for children -- and that means eventual self-sufficiency for them and their families. Sponsorship is simply a bridge to independence.

Many CCFC programs are designed to enable, encourage and train people to use their own gifts and abilities to meet their needs. An important aspect of this approach is small-scale economic development -- assisting in the creation of viable small businesses in communities where sponsored children live. We call this Micro-Enterprise Development.

The strength of partners "on the ground."

One of CCFC's greatest strengths is its reliance on established local organizations "on-the-ground" in the countries where we works.

CCFC has a solid record of success and accountability. To ensure our program funds are well-spent, our staff visits each project site regularly, monitoring progress and results.

About the Communications Department.

Our website contains a number of publications, testimonials and videos, but media can also contact our office to obtain additional information. We can offer:

• Stories from the partners and countries in which CCFC works
• Still images (prints, slides and electronic files)
• Video imagery (VHS for viewing; Betacam format for broadcast use)
• Video productions (VHS for viewing; Betacam format for broadcast use)
• Detailed reports and background documents
• Knowledgeable staff for interviews

CCFC also issues news releases through Canada Newswire, by e-mail, fax and mail on a regular basis.

To be added to our media list, or for any questions related to communications, please contact:
Philip Maher
Director, Communications
Voice line: (905) 754-1015
Toll-free: 1-800-263-5437 Ext. 215
Fax (905) 754-1002
E-mail: pmaher@ccfcanada.ca