It's not too late to change a life, World Vision and Parachute still seeking 250 child sponsors

World Vision and Parachute are still looking for a further 250 sponsors for poverty-stricken children in Tubehoneza, Rwanda.

Over the past five years the Hamilton-based music event has built up a relationship with the African community, with festival-goers already sponsoring 1,427 children in need.

And at the weekend (Jan 27-30) another 200 youngsters from Tubehoneza were sponsored.

Now, Parachute and World Vision would like to extend the opportunity to other Kiwis. Two hundred and fifty children in the community are still in need of sponsorship to ensure urgent development work can be completed sooner rather than later.

These development programmes include equipping the health centre with birth kits and hospital beds to provide a full range of life-saving medical services to mums and children as well as supporting teachers to improve the way the basics of maths and reading are taught and putting more books in schools.

World Vision Director of Engagement Paul Newnham said: "I was really inspired and pleased to see so many people come on board as child sponsors at Parachute this year.

"If anyone is still keen to get involved it is not too late. Please get involved as we do still have 250 children who urgently need sponsorship."

Those who visited World Vision's Parachute site at the Mystery Creek events also showed their support for the people of Tubehoneza by writing messages of hope on orange-coloured bunting. Messages included: "Hold onto your hope. We love you." and "No matter how hard it is at the moment remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers."

The Hands family from Mercer who sponsored their fourth child Esau, from Malawi, in the lead up to Parachute had this message for those considering sponsoring a child: "People think they can't make a difference or put off helping others until they're better financially off themselves," explained 44-year-old father Phil.

"My message is don't wait. The children we're helping can't wait.

"We're not well off by any means but we realised that we could make a difference. Even if you help just one child you are making a difference for that child and who knows who that child may go on to help."

How can you get involved?

• Those who would like to sponsor a child in need can do so online now or by calling 0800 800 776.

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