In Reply to: This sounds like something posted by Pauly on Friday, 19. March 2010 at 09:36 Bali Time:
For more info check out helenflavelfoundation.org I actually now sponsor 3 separate girls of varying ages and started around 4 yrs ago.
You will find people have varying views on all of this but we usually try to go to Singaraja to visit the family of the sponsored child once a year or so and usually take varying things ie parcel of new things for sponsored child BUT have always taken enough toys/small gifts for all the kids which congregate which are neihgbours and relatives so no one misses out or causes any rift between families/friends.This does not need to be expensive we love doing it and so do the kids. We collect up from friends /work colleagues soft toys,matchbox cars, bubbles,pencils and try and have similar things to give. even containers of chuppa chups balls etc great. we also take over clothing inc bras for ladies. also do a big shop at Supernova and buy rice coffee sugar noodles etc etc and share everything out. Best to sponsor the child first meet them and go from there. Helen or the teachers at the Learning centre will help sort out what the families need most. Over the years have heped them with food, medical things, bedding school things the piglets and last visit bikes for a few kids in that 1 village that took 1 and half hrs to walk each way to school. Best thing weve done and good for my daughter as well to see how other people live. Let me know if you need any more info.