| Founder(s) | Everett Swanson |
|---|---|
| Type | Christian child sponsorship organization |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Area served | 26 Countries |
| Motto | Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name |
| Website | compassion.com |
Compassion International is a Christian child sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world. Compassion International, headquartered in Colorado Springs, functions in 26 countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Haiti, Kenya, and India. They also currently help more than 1,200,000 children. The current chairman of the board is Robert Hawkins. Dr. Wesley K. Stafford is the current President and CEO.
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The International Evangelistic Association was founded in 1952 by Reverend Everett Swanson to help children orphaned by war in South Korea. He traveled there to preach the gospel to the troops of the army but during his visit he saw children orphaned by the war. In 1953, he began to raise funds and the next year he developed sponsorship programs to help support orphans for a few dollars a month. For thirty-eight dollars a month, a sponsor such as yourself, can provide Biblical lessons, food, clothing, shelter and medical aid on a regular basis for the children.[1]
The name of the association changed to Compassion in 1963, inspired on Jesus' words "I have compassion on the multitude. I will not send them away hungry" (Matthew 15.32).
The same year Compassion Canada was formed. This is the organization's Canadian branch. Based in London, Ontario, it was founded by Bob and Janet Forsyth of Blenheim, Ontario, who wanted to expand Compassion's ministry from the United States to Canada.[2]
Compassion Suisse was formed in 2003. This is the organization's Swiss branch. Up to 2009, the organization had its offices in Concise VD. In the fall of 2009, the base of Compassion Suisse was moved to Yverdon VD.
Compassion International's primary program is child sponsorship. As of February 2010 they request $38 per month to sponsor a child. Participants can select a child to sponsor, with whom they can exchange correspondence with as well as financially support.[3]
Compassion provides child development aid to children in 26 countries. Each country office is staffed by local country personnel.
Compassion International currently holds a rating of four stars (out of four) from Charity Navigator,[4] a grade of "A" from the American Institute of Philanthropy[5] and met the "20 Standards for Charity Accountability" from the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.[6]