On purpose: Ron’s journey to becoming a village sponsor
A decade ago in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, a random act of kindness changed my life and catalyzed my involvement with SOS Children’s Villages.
Sitting on the steps of a hotel in central Saigon one hot evening in 2015, as I got up to go to the convenience store, I felt a hand on my shoulder, motioning me to stay put. It was one of the staff working that evening whom I’d gotten to know over several days. We would sit and ask each other questions about the way of life in Saigon and Toronto. During these conversations, I learned how low the average income is for people here. It caught me off guard, for if you’ve been to Southeast Asia, East Asia or South America, you would immediately notice how happy, pleasant and gracious people are. You would never think they are just getting by day to day.
“Mister, you stay here. Please let me go for you. I would love for you to try Vietnamese drinks.” Moments later, he returned with some cold drinks I’d never tried. They were delightful! At that moment, I realized that he had just spent much of that evening’s salary. How generous! This moment and similar gestures from the locals stuck with me for the rest of the trip.
Once back in Canada, I couldn’t wait to share that experience with my family and friends. I wondered how to give back to those wonderful people of Vietnam and similar countries.
I then stumbled upon SOS Children’s Villages. Initially, when searching for options, I worried that if I sponsored a single child, another one would be overlooked. However, sponsoring an entire village made those concerns disappear. It felt right. The more I learned, the more I was sure this was something I wanted to do. I was going through life and wasting precious time, feeling like something was missing and that I could be doing something more meaningful instead of just making money and spending it out of boredom.
I started with sponsorships in three countries: Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. I didn’t think I would ever visit the villages I sponsored; I was just happy to help.
Visiting SOS Children’s Villages Thailand in Phuket
The following year, I took a trip to Thailand after the horrible tsunami in Phuket. I got more excited and anxious the closer we got to the village. Looking out the window at the beautiful landscapes of Thailand, it was not what I had imagined. Solid brick and mortar structures and houses, safety and security, and nicely manicured and clean grounds. Playgrounds, sports equipment, and the sounds and sights of children laughing, playing, and running joyfully.
The Sponsorship Coordinator described the SOS Village Model, how the children came to live there, many in the aftermath of the tsunami, their daily lives, and plans and goals for the future.
I met a family of twelve well-behaved children. There were four biological sisters, aged 5-12. There was a young boy, maybe 2-3 years old, born premature and abandoned, on a respirator and oxygen support. I learned about the children’s everyday life, their likes and hobbies.
I have visited a few times and have seen the same kids grow up well and happily, but my visit in December 2023 was special. The tiny, shy 5-year-old girl I met every time I visited is now a confident young leader in the village. SOS Children’s Villages in Phuket will always hold a special place in my heart.
Visiting SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam in Hanoi
In 2017, I travelled to SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam in Hanoi, the country that initiated my involvement with SOS Children’s Villages. The day spent there was just as amazing as my visit to Phuket, Thailand. The kids are happy, healthy, well-behaved, respectful, and disciplined. The area around SOS Children’s Villages in Hanoi has many international schools, eateries and amenities. The grounds are clean, safe, and beautiful.
This trip further deepened my involvement. Instead of adding more village sponsorships or increasing my donations, I learned I could support individual youth as they approach the next phase of their lives, specifically post-secondary education. I decided to sponsor two young women in that village. Since I don’t have kids, sponsoring is close to the real thing for me.
What inspires me to give
Hearing stories of kids at SOS Children’s Villages beating the odds, getting an education, developing skills, making a career, and returning to the village to help the next generation motivates me. Realizing I can provide the chance for someone to pursue their dreams and choose a good path in life inspires me. The more I get to know the children, hear their stories and see their successes, the more I want to help.
Everyone deserves an equal chance.
How do we know what SOS Children’s Villages is doing is right and good? I’ve witnessed it first-hand!
I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and plan to do more with SOS Children’s Villages. Giving is a powerful way to create a positive cycle, and I intend to keep paying it forward.