Can you sponsor a child this Christmas

Anti-poverty charity, ActionAid, has launched an urgent appeal and is looking for just one new sponsor from Exeter to step forward and sponsor Phyo, age 5, as the child of their city this Christmas.

By reaching out to sponsor the child of Exeter, residents can help provide a brighter future for a child and their community in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Phyo lives in Myanmar, one of the least developed countries in the world with very limited access to the basics – water, education and healthcare. In these communities, one in every ten children dies before the age of five.

ActionAid works with local communities on the things that matter most to them. Child sponsorship gives children the chance of an education, instead of being forced to work long hours to help provide for the family. It also helps tackle extreme poverty. Communities have used the money to improve schools, lay water pipelines and even help start small businesses.

Commenting on behalf of ActionAid, Jane Moyo says: “For just £15 a month, child sponsorship through ActionAid can help bring about real, long-term change.

“You'll get two letters a year from the child you sponsor, and updates from the country to tell you how the money you donate is changing lives. That could be through building classrooms, supplying clean water, delivering basic healthcare and even offering small business training.

“We’re hoping this focused local appeal in Exeter will help us change Phyo’s future for good.”

Whoever is first to respond will be Phyo’s sponsor. They will receive a unique insight into his life and have the opportunity to form a real connection with them. The sponsor will also see the difference their sponsorship is making with regular feedback from Phyo.

Anyone keen to take part, but who misses out on the chance to sponsor Phyo, can still offer the gift of giving this Christmas by sponsoring another child with ActionAid for themselves, or on behalf of someone they love.

ActionAid sponsor and celebrity comedian and author, Mark Watson says: “People often feel with charities that they're pouring money into a far-off place that will never solve any of its problems. With child sponsorship you get to see the relationship between your donations and the real improvements in a specific person's life. It's really rewarding as well as being desperately needed.”

Throughout the appeal, which is being rolled out nationwide, ActionAid is aiming to reach 2,700 of the world’s most vulnerable children in countries including; Myanmar, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi.

Please visit ActionAid’s blog for more information or to sponsor a child directly please visit http://www.actionaid.org.uk/city.