FAQs

• Can I give a food package directly to my sponsored child?

  We really appreciate your desire to help your sponsored child through the provision of a food package. The funds raised through this campaign can’t be directed to an individual child. Instead, they are pooled together to provide food packages for the Compassion assisted families most in need of nutrition support across over 25 program countries.

  Please be assured that our local staff understand your sponsored child’s unique needs, including their nutrition, and they are trained to identify malnutrition and provide immediate support.

  However, you can choose to give an additional financial gift to your sponsored child or their family anytime and they will receive 100 per cent of your gift. Local workers will help your sponsored child and their family to purchase a gift that assists with their greatest needs.

  You can give a child or family gift online in My Account or by contacting us on 1300 22 44 53 or at compassion@compassion.com.au

• How is the global food crisis affecting children in poverty?

  As food prices climb, so do hunger and malnutrition in young children. The impact of childhood malnutrition is catastrophic and has both short- and long-term effects. The increased risks caused by malnutrition include:  

  • Diabetes, cardiovascular problems and cancer later in life
  • Growth stunting and wasting
  • Poor academic performance and intellectual development
    
  • Increased prevalence of attention deficit disorders  
    
  • Child marriage as girls are offered in marriage arrangements for dowries that will feed their families
    
  • Child labour as children leave school early to support their families
    
  • Premature death 

  Compassion’s 8,500 local church partners across over 25 countries are already responding to the global food crisis. You can help them provide immediate food packs and long-term food security by purchasing a Food Security Gift of Compassion or donating to Disaster Relief.

• Is my donation to the Answer Hunger With Hope appeal tax deductible?

  Yes. All donations of $2 and over to the Answer Hunger With Hope appeal are tax deductible. If you donate to Compassion through the Raisely platform, you will receive a tax receipt directly from Raisely and it will not appear on your Compassion Australia tax receipt at the end of the financial year.

  Compassion Australia has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status for its Overseas Aid and Development Fund, as listed on the Australian Business Register under our ABN 67 001 692 566.

• Why is Compassion not addressing the food crisis many are experiencing here in Australia?

  As a holistic child development organisation focused on helping children living in extreme poverty, Compassion’s ministry is primarily aimed at supporting vulnerable children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. Our work is focused in over 25 field countries across Africa, Asia and Central and South America.

  However, we know that current global events, including inflation, the global food crisis and the lingering effects of COVID-19, are also affecting many children and families in Australia. There are many wonderful Christian organisations who serve people right here in Australia, such as Mission Australia, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and Common Grace, and we encourage you to find out more about their work if this interests you.

• How do I choose a 345 Challenge?

  Whether you’re teaming up with friends or colleagues or going alone, you can customise the challenge to suit you. You can perform an activity of your choosing for 345 repetitions or choose to give up something for 345 minutes (that’s just under 6 hours) a day.

  All challenges should be performed over one week.

  Here are some ideas:

  • Run or walk 345km

  • Do 345 push ups or sit ups

  • Cycle 345km

  • Swim 345 laps

  • Perform 345 acts of kindness (this is a good one to do with friends or colleagues!)

  • Take a vow of silence for 345 minutes each day (you could place some tape across your mouth that says 345 Challenge and post on your social media platforms each day to raise awareness)

  • Give up gaming for 345 minutes a day

  • Give up social media for 345 minutes each day

  • Give up food for 345 minutes a day (this could mean skipping a meal)

  The options are endless and the choice is yours! Set yourself a daring goal and start fighting global hunger right where you are.