Special Report for Donors 2023
A Personal Reason for Giving
How a special couple extended their longstanding support into a legacy of love and hope
Wes and Ankie Foell’s family album has a twist: the family they’ve built is made up of sponsored children in SOS Children’s Villages across the globe.
Child sponsors for over 20 years, Wes and Ankie firmly believe that supporting SOS Children’s Villages is the best way to offer vulnerable children what they deserve: the safety and security of a loving home.
Ankie was once a vulnerable child herself, having endured part of her childhood in a Japanese concentration camp. She became determined that no child should go to bed hungry or fearful.
The Foells have traveled around the world to visit various SOS Children’s Villages. They’ve seen up close how their sponsorship makes a difference today., but they both felt the desire to do something more for the future.
When it came time to draft their wills, they included a gift to SOS Children’s Villages to ensure more children would benefit from life-saving care.
The decision brought the Foells a deep sense of comfort, knowing their loving support will help generations to come. With a gift in your will, you’ll offer the same comfort and knowledge.
Reuniting the Alvarez Siblings
When you picture a family of six kids, it’s easy to imagine a household filled with noise, laughter, and constant activity.
But for the Alvarez* siblings, that happy image was far from reach for seven long years. Living apart in separate state run foster care homes, they could only wonder about their brother and sisters.
Thankfully, supporters like you gave them the gift they deserved: togetherness. After so many years being apart, the Alvarez children were rescued and finally reunited at the SOS Children’s Village in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Their caregiver, Monica, has helped gently guide them to re-establish their relationships.
Today, the Alvarez children are quick to share what they’re most grateful for. For Maria, the eldest at 17, it’s the ability to hug each of her younger siblings again. There are family birthday parties together and late-night whispered conversations. For Julia, the youngest who was only three when separated from her siblings, she’s grateful for your kindness which means “being together with my big family.”
A gift in your will supports more sibling reunification, which contributes greatly to the well-being of kids like the Alvarez family. You are laying the foundation for a successful future for children.
*Names changed to protect privacy
Fighting Gender-Based Violence in Togo
When Adjoua* was just 16, she was assaulted by a classmate and became pregnant. Feeling embarrassed and ashamed, her first thought was that she would have to drop out of school.
Sadly, Adjoua’s response isn’t unusual for girls in her region. Last year alone, 163 young girls in Atakpamè, Togo left school early due to pregnancy.
But your support of SOS Children’s Villages is working to change that. In 2020, you helped us launch the Fighting Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children project.
Since then, SOS Children’s Villages has provided free medical and psychological care to over 250 girls in Atakpamè. Through education of communities about sexual abuse, sexual education, and the long-term damage of gender-based violence, our aim is to reduce the stigma faced by girls like Adjoua so they can think hopefully about the future.
Thanks to the program, Adjoua eventually decided not to leave school. Your planned giving ensures more girls continue their education, offering brighter futures for young women like Adjoua. Thank you.
*Name changed to protect privacy
The Legendary Ruth Bader Ginsburg
A lifetime of passionate social justice work continues through a planned gift to SOS Children’s Villages. When U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in 2020, she left a wellknown legacy as a champion of gender equity. But did you know that Justice Ginsburg was an avid supporter of SOS Children’s Villages? She believed that education and a supportive family environment are a prerequisite for being able to build a fair and equal society.
As a lawyer, she was well aware of the importance of a will and its ability to effect change beyond a lifetime. That’s why she created the RBG Education Endowment Fund. Personal items, including several of her iconic collars, were auctioned off to benefit specific SOS Children’s Villages programs.
“Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
– Ruth Bader Ginsbur
Frequently Asked Questions
What about my loved ones?
Many people find that they have enough in their estate to care for family members and charities they hold dear. Even a small percentage of your estate left to charity can have a big impact while leaving the majority for loved ones. Choosing to support your charity can also reduce and, in some cases, even eliminate the taxes to be paid.
Do I need to change my entire will?
Even if you already have a will, you can include SOS Children’s Villages using a special legal clause called a codicil. Or, simply, add your gift next time you update your will.
How does a gift in my will help vulnerable children?
With your gift, SOS Children’s Villages helps children with the greatest need. From infancy to adulthood, your gift helps provide education, social services, food, shelter, and family
Who leaves a gift to charity?
Right now, more than 1.5 million Canadians from all walks of life have decided to include a gift to charity in their wills. Any gift, big or small, can truly make a difference.
Should I inform SOS Children’s Villages of my decision?
Not at all. But if you wish to share this information with us, we’d welcome the opportunity to thank you personally