Child Letters
Writing a letter is easy.
Writing to your child has a deep impact, as they know they are loved and valued. Even when they grow up, many sponsored children still testify to the hope these letters brought.
Letter writing is the most effective way to communicate with your sponsored child. Everyone enjoys receiving personal letters, and when your child knows that someone in another country cares enough to write, it tells them they are special to God and you.
We believe letters can become the best part of the sponsoring experience, for both you and your child. The guidelines below will lead you through the letter writing process and help you enjoy a meaningful correspondence with your child for years to come.
Delivery: How do I Send My Child Letters?
Sponsors' letters are mailed weekly from Compassion's office to the country office where your child lives. Many children live in areas where there is no postal service, and letters are hand-delivered by staff. Translation time and unreliable delivery are the main reasons for delays. Expect your letter to take two to three months to reach your child. We are continually working on ways to improve delivery.
Mail your letter to:
Compassion Canada
PO Box 5591,
London ON N6A 5G8,
or email your letter online using our Child Letter Form.
If you mail your letter, please, remember to include your sponsored child's name and number as well as your sponsor number on each item you send. You can write on your own stationery or use Compassion's letter writing form.
Value: Are My Letters Important?
Writing to your child has a deep impact as you are very important to your sponsored child. Letter writing is your opportunity to hear firsthand about the benefits your sponsorship provides. It allows you to form a close relationship with your child and foster his or her growth. Through letters, you can follow your child's progress through the years, share prayer requests, and form a lasting bond.
Letters are an important part of your child's development. Letter writing improves children's basic literacy skills, their self-awareness and their ability to put thoughts and feelings into words. Letters are another expression of your sponsorship involvement and love.
Do not be discouraged if letters you initially receive are impersonal and formal. Often a project worker or teacher will write on behalf of a very young child. Sometimes letters are written as part of a class exercise. Your letter writing friendship will improve, as your child grows and learns to write letters on their own.
Frequency: How Often Should I Write?
You should receive up to three letters a year from your child, in addition to a new photograph and progress report every two years. You may write your sponsored child as often as you like. We recommend you send a letter to your sponsored child every three months. Whether you write once or several times a year, your sponsored child benefits from knowing that you care.
For your convenience, Compassion sends Christmas and birthday cards you can fill out and return to our office. It's a simple way to send a personal greeting on these special occasions. With your first letter, we recommend you send a photograph.
Expectations: What Should I Write About?
You may write about you and your family, hobbies and sports, your work, your church or your school. You may also discuss your relationship with God, explain special customs for holidays or describe the area where you live. Don't forget to include encouraging words. With your first letter, we recommend you send a photograph.
The key to writing a good letter is to keep it simple and write about things your child can understand.
You can also enclose small paper items such as postcards, greeting cards, bookmarks, stamps, stickers, pages from colouring books and photos. Items other than paper cannot be sent because of customs restrictions.
Please, avoid discussing (or sending pictures of) your material possessions, as this will only accentuate the differences between you and your child. To prevent disappointments, avoid suggesting that your sponsored child visit you in Canada or asking what kind of gift he or she would like.
If you wish to send a gift, click here to find out how you can do so.
Accountability: Will my Sponsored Child Write me Back?
Your child certainly will write you back, although he or she may need assistance to write his or her thoughts. Allow your sponsored child time to develop writing skills. Most sponsored kids start to write their own letters when they reach the fourth grade. Their words come straight from the heart, and often shine with hope and simplicity.
We strongly recommend you begin the letter writing process.
Children with special needs and those whose schooling has started late may continue requiring the assistance of a staff member to correspond with you all through their school years. But letter writing is still an important source of encouragement for them.
You should receive two to three letters a year from your sponsored child. Your sponsored child is encouraged to respond to every letter you send. If you have not heard for six to eight months, please contact our office.
Privacy
It is in your best interest not to reveal your address or telephone number on your letters. In developing countries, some people may try to exploit your generosity by sending you begging letters.
Group Sponsorships
Write a letter together as a family or group. If you sponsor as a group, appoint one letter writer. It is less intimidating for a child to correspond with one person representing your group. Your group may write the letter together; but simply have the same person close each letter with his or her name on behalf of the group.