In 2009, SOS Children’s Villages celebrated its 60th anniversary. In 1949, Hermann Gmeiner built the first SOS Children’s Village in the Austrian town of Imst. That first SOS Village took in 40 children. Today SOS Children’s Villages is raising 80,000 children, while reaching another 1,000,000 children and families in need in 132 countries and territories around the world.
The 1st All Canadian Funded SOS Children’s Village! SOS Children’s Villages Canada was established in 1969. Its founders were some of Canada’s leading public figures, including the Hon. Justice Emmett Hall, the Rt. Hon. Jeanne Sauvé, who became Governor General, the Hon. Otto Lang, Cabinet Minister, and the Hon. R. Gordon Fairweather, Member of Parliament and later, Chair of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Forty years on, the SOS model of child care introduced to Canada by these esteemed members of society continues to save young lives around the world, including in the ‘all Canadian’ funded Green Family SOS Children’s Village in Ondangwa, Namibia. Construction of this entire Village was made possible by a generous donation from Don and Shirley Green of Brockville, Ontario.
500th SOS Children’s Village! A time of joy and celebration for all the staff and volunteers of SOS Children’s Villages and for the children who will now call SOS Cali their home. There they will find the support and love they need to be happy and develop into productive members of society.
Haiti Earthquake: Already there when it counts – Do to the tremendous response of Canadians, SOS Canada was able to support our operations in Haiti with more than half a million dollars worth of emergency supplies, in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
SOS Children’s Villages has been caring for orphaned and vulnerable children in Haiti for over 30 years. So when the earthquake struck SOS was already on the ground and able to rapidly mobilize resources to provide care for vulnerable children, and aid for local communities. We have opened our doors to surrounding communities and are providing emergency shelter, medical service, and psychological support to unaccompanied children and families in need.
“SOS was there before the earthquake, and during it - but most importantly, SOS will be there for many years to come - to raise these children, in their communities until they are self sufficient adults”
Angelina Jolie
Longtime supporter of SOS
Transat Partnership - In December 2009, SOS Children’s Villages and Transat became major partners, with SOS as their principal humanitarian partner internationally for 3 years. Together they will work to create safe homes and bright futures for the world’s orphaned and vulnerable children.
“Through its association with SOS Children’s Villages, Transat is seeking to contribute to the well-being of children in its destination countries, where very often even their most basic needs are not met”
Jean-Marc Eustache,
President and
Chief Executive Officer of Transat
SOS Children’s Villages Canada President - After ten years of service as President of SOS Canada, Michael von Herff has moved onto the position of Past President. SOS Board member and President of the Children’s Welfare League, Peter Dudding has been elected to fill the vacant position.
“Thank you for the honour of allowing me to serve such an extraordinary organization. And thank you for your support.” – Michael von Herff
Joe Messner 1924-2009 - In 2009, we bid farewell to one of the founding members and the first National Director of SOS Canada, Joseph Messner. Joe and his wife Linda ran the office entirely as volunteers during its early years. His contribution to protecting children’s rights will always be greatly appreciated.
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| 2009-10 Report in pdf format, opens in new window |