FAQs

• Why write so early?

  By giving your gift and sending your Christmas letters before 15 October, you’re giving local staff the best chance to prepare Christmas celebrations for Compassion assisted children. And when you’re bringing joy to more than 2 million children registered at over 6900 child development centres around the world, it’s best to get in early!

• Will my donation go directly to my sponsored child?

  Your donation to Compassion Australia’s Christmas Gift Fund will go towards helping every child registered with the Child Sponsorship Program and every mother and baby registered in a Mums and Babies survival project to receive a Christmas gift, including those who are registered but not yet sponsored. Because it would be unfair if some children received gifts and others did not, donations to our Christmas Gift Fund are pooled internationally and distributed to purchase a special, age-appropriate Christmas gift for each Compassion assisted child.

• If I donate to Compassion’s Christmas Gift Fund, what will my sponsored child receive?

  Gifts may include clothing, blankets and bed-linen, toiletries and, of course, a range of toys. Wherever possible, our church partners in the developing world purchase the gifts within their local communities, encouraging local businesses and boosting the local economy. All Compassion assisted children are encouraged to write to their sponsors to thank them for their Christmas gift and let them know what gift they received. You are also welcome to ask specific questions regarding the gifts next time you write to your sponsored child.

  Although $30 is the recommended amount to ensure that each child receives a suitable gift, you are welcome to donate more. By giving more, you increase the value of every child's gift once financial donations are pooled, and assist those sponsors who are unable to contribute. This is one of the most special times of the year for the children as for many, Christmas is the only time they receive gifts.

• How do I send a Christmas message?

  You can write a Christmas message online. Just log in to ‘My Account’ and you will find a Christmas letter template. Simply type your message, and we’ll do the rest! Write your letter before 15 October to ensure it reaches your sponsored child in time. If you miss this date, please still write a letter. We will do our best to get it to your sponsored child as soon as possible.

• What should I write?

  Your Christmas letter is a great opportunity to share Christmas joy with your sponsored child and their family with a short, warm message. Wish them a happy Christmas, encourage them to remember Jesus’ birth and share a prayer. Share a little of your own Christmas plans or encourage your sponsored child for the coming new year. Your words are important, and the fact that you’ve taken the time to send your letter means so much.

• Can I still send a letter if I don’t have access to ‘My Account’?

  Absolutely! It’s as simple as printing the Christmas letter and mailing it to us with your sponsor details at:

  Compassion Australia PO Box 1 Hunter Region MC NSW 2310.