After ten years, the “Guardian Angel” campaign ends
After ten years, and nearly two million knitted garments for children in more than a dozen countries, the "Guardian Angel" partnership between World Vision and Guardian Pharmacies will not be running in 2009.
The escalating administration costs of running the campaign, along with the urgent need for World Vision to prioritise food, water and health programs, are the two main reasons that Guardian Angel will not run in 2009.
"There is more need in the world than we can meet," said World Vision CEO Tim Costello. "Part of the responsibility of spending donated money is ensuring we always have the maximum impact for the greatest number of people. Sadly that leads us to move away from Guardian Angel."
"I think the length of this partnership is testament to the thousands of Australians who have knitted clothes for those less fortunate," said Mr Costello. "I cannot thank you enough for the contribution you have made."
The good news is that in 2009 your knitted goods will still be put to good use locally, with Guardian Pharmacies working with new partner The Salvation Army to provide warm clothes and blankets to families in need here in Australia. As with previous years, the Guardian Angel campaign will run from June to August. Visit the Guardian Pharmacies website for full details.
Q&A
Why have we not heard any information about the Guardian Angel campaign this year?
After ten years, and nearly two million knitted garments for children in more than a dozen countries, the "Guardian Angel" partnership between World Vision and Guardian Pharmacies will not be running in 2009.
Unfortunately, there is always more need in the world than organisations like World Vision can meet, so they always have to try and have the maximum impact for the greatest number of people.
The escalating administration costs of running the campaign, along with the urgent need for World Vision to prioritise food, water and health programs, are the two main reasons that the Guardian Angel program with World Vision will not run in 2009.
I have already started / finished knitting so what do I do with the garments? Will my hard work go to waste? I want these garments to go to a good cause.
The good news is that in 2009 your knitted goods will still be put to good use locally, with Guardian Pharmacies working with new partner The Salvation Army to provide warm clothes and blankets to families in need here in Australia. As with previous years, the Guardian Angel campaign will run from June to August. From June, drop off your knitting at any Guardian pharmacy. Visit the Guardian Pharmacies website for full details.
Why isn’t World Vision running this campaign anymore? Don’t children still need warm clothes for the harsh winter?
World Vision is unfortunately unable to conduct this campaign due to financial limitations in the current economic landscape. This means we have limited resources to work with and have to focus our efforts on the most urgent needs: food, water and health programs.
We acknowledge the need for warm clothes, however our core value of Good Stewardship demands that we direct our efforts and resources to the most severe and urgent needs.
What happened to all the garments I donated in the past?
Your knitted garments are part of nearly two million items given to children in more than a dozen countries over the past decade.
I’m still interested in knitting items for people in need – what can I do?
The good news is that in 2009 your knitted goods will still be put to good use locally, with Guardian Pharmacies working with new partner The Salvation Army to provide warm clothes and blankets to families in need here in Australia. As with previous years, the Guardian Angel campaign will run from June to August. Visit the Guardian Pharmacies website for full details.