As we approach International Day of Families, recognized on May 15 each year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the bonds that tie us together through the values of family.
Children Believe has an amazing example to share from among our own dedicated donor family. For over three decades, Noel and Dora Perera, from Richmond Hill, ON, have been making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. They’ve raised three children of their own, now adults, but as supporters through Children Believe, they have an extended family around the world.
This global family goes well beyond borders. Through sponsorship, the Pereras currently help six children through a monthly gift, offering not just financial assistance but empowering them to make their own choices – choices that are stolen from so many children due to poverty and injustice.
“For us, a big part of it is looking at the children of today and knowing that those are going to be our adults of the future. These are the people who will move on and do bigger and greater things. And if we can do something that’s going to help that along, why wouldn’t we?” says Dora. “Being a teacher, it was that kind of thing that hit me. We have different circumstances, but we’re not that different. Everybody has a desire for a better life. They have the same desire for love. Little things like that drew us to continue to do this.”
Why we mark this annual observance:
The Day of Families began in the 1980s, when the United Nations started focusing on family issues, stressing their crucial role in personal development. In 1993, May 15th became the International Day of Families, to raise awareness about family-related challenges and their impact on society.
As we mark the occasion, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of family in our lives. It’s a chance to raise awareness about the challenges families face and to understand the social, economic, and demographic factors that impact them. Let’s come together and focus on the values needed to address these challenges and build a stronger foundation for these children.
Growing our family at Children Believe each year: extend your support
If you’ve ever thought of becoming a sponsor, the Pereras have advice for you.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to give back,” Noel says. “So, hopefully this would motivate others to do something like that if they are thinking of it themselves.”
Noel and Dora’s story is a testament to the impact of giving choices to children. Look for more about this couple in our ‘Donor Spotlight’ in the upcoming ChildVoice magazine, coming to our publications section on May 23.
Interested in becoming a child sponsor yourself? click here.
About Children Believe
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.
About Childfund Alliance
A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.