Editor, The Times:
Re: Giving - supporting others at home and away, letter to the editor, Nov. 21.
We appreciate the letter writer’s thoughtful assessment of aid to the developing world. However, it appears she is not aware of the scope and impact of Operation Christmas Child.
You can’t overestimate the impact that a shoebox full of gifts has on someone who has never received a gift. It brings joy and hope to a child, who now knows that a complete stranger loves them enough to send them something.
Following a shoebox distribution, we share God’s love with anyone willing to listen, because we believe Jesus Christ can bring hope and purpose into anyone’s life.
As for long-term impact, the shoebox gift program is offered in places that almost always need further assistance. Often, the gifts are an entry point to the community. After that initial contact, community leaders often ask Samaritan’s Purse what else we can do to help their residents.
We build latrines and wells so children have access to safe drinking water. We support health clinics, provide food to starving people, and teach adults to read and do math so they can better support their families. Much of this is a result of bringing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to a community. Please visit our website, samaritanspurse.ca, for examples of where this has happened.
Our humanitarian programs are offered to anyone who needs them, regardless of religion, race, gender, or socio-economic standing.
Carina Kwok, communications advisor
Samaritan’s Purse Canada
Calgary, Alberta