Comments on: Child Sponsorship Rate Change Notice

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:39:54 +0000

@A Compassion donor - That must be scary for you. As a single person with little more than a car and a cat to look after, I imagine it can be much harder for you, especially if you sponsor many kids. I hope you do not remain discouraged, and I hope that you can be blessed with Luke 21:1-4, the story of the widow who gave two copper coins. Know that God is not a guilt trip, and helping someone out( for example: sponsor a kid or two) should not be either. Give what you can and leave it in God's hands, and do not be ashamed of what you cannot do.

By: A Compassion donor

A Compassion donor — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:42:11 +0000

I understand why CI wants to raise rates but, +19% ??? That exceeds inflation by quite a bit for years to come.

My families income and my employer has no way to keep pace with everything going up like this.

By: Rebecca Rogers

Rebecca Rogers — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:06:54 +0000

Im 15 years old and not even old enought to get a job. I do not recive an allowance and have to pay for a lot of other things for myself. I’m going to be a sophomore this fall but I’ve sponsored a child for two years now. I believe that if God could provide me with the $32 every month as well as all the other money i needed, He can provide $38.

By: Sarah Charles

Sarah Charles — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:16:44 +0000

I am 23 and fresh out of college. I am paying on my student loan, other bills, working full time, and I sponsor 3 kids on my single income. Have faith! If God can make ends meet with me, He can do it for you!

By: Tom Andrix

Tom Andrix — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:42:30 +0000

I understand the increased needs and the urgency. However there are many surprises coming in July from folks who have not read your letter. This is precisely why I do not under any circumstances give any organization priviledges to withdraw from my account. As easy as it makes the process this needs to be choice – not default – driven.

By: Valerie Long

Valerie Long — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:11:39 +0000

I really wasn’t surprised to see the rate go up. The economy’s in flux all over the world and the dollar sure doesn’t buy what it used to!

I was saddened because I can’t do the increase right now, but the staff at Compassion were so awesome when I called. I, too, have many children, 7 to be exact, so the extra $42 a month is just too much right now. They were really great though and told me it wasn’t a problem, to just keep going at the $32 rate until I felt that I could make the change.

I enjoy being able to send extra little gifts from time to time or for birthdays and if I had upped my rate right now, there’s no way I could keep doing those things.

I’m praying right now I get this promotion at work that I’m applying for. It will come with a slight raise. I’m not sure precisely how much, but I think it’s at least 5% according to our union contract. So perhaps if I do get it, I can increase my rate then.

‘Til then, I was very very pleased with the employees at Compassion and how they’d much rather I keep sponsoring at my current level than have to give up one of my kids! ‘Cuz I certainly don’t want to give them up!

By: Steve Mooradian

Steve Mooradian — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:59:43 +0000

Originally Posted By CrystalGib@Michael
[...] I am offended at your query “Would you rather have services cut to the sponsored children, or pay more?” [...]

I thought it was a fair question. Unless you think Compassion is cheating you, then it’s fair to say that previously $32 a month “bought” X level of support for you child. But now, X level of support costs $36 dollars a month.

Math is not offensive. Do you want to continue to provide X level for $36, or less than X for $32? Would you rather have services cut to the sponsored children, or pay more?

This would also be a good time to point out to everyone that just because the Hyundai dealer sells cars cheaper than the BMW dealer, doesn’t mean I’m not getting a good deal (or maybe even a better deal) at the BMW dealer.

If all things are equal… if all sponsorship programs are being good stewards, then you are simply getting what you pay for – and if you only want your child to get $32 (or $24, or whatever) of support instead of $36 then that’s your choice.

It almost sounds like some people look at this like the cost of wallet-sized photos on your fridge is going up.

And no, I don’t drive a BMW.

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:26:21 +0000

CrystalGib
Please accept my sincere apology. I saw your response right away this afternoon, but was not in a position to respond. I was truly saddened that I had offended you. I know that you are here because you care, and I wish you well whatever route you decide to take.

By: Lisa Miles

Lisa Miles — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:34:36 +0000

Re: the rate increase — I’m sure it’s not pleasant for anyone at Compassion when it comes time to raise sponsorship rates because so many people get indignant and angry. People hate change, especially when it involves their wallet.

The last rate increase was in 2005 when it went from $28 to $32. And before that it was 2000 when it went from $24 to $28.

So it’s a $4 increase every 4-5 years.

Basically $1 a year per child.

I certainly love and appreciate everyone who posts on this blog — you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t care about the kids — and I will be sad to see anyone here give up their sponsorship.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:04:39 +0000

@CrystalGib - I think that sounds like a good idea. Every organization has their pros and cons and each person's experience with an organization can be completely different. I would definitely be interested in what you end up finding out.