THE HOPE LIVES ON

The journey began with a letter

“I first became involved with World Vision around 20 years ago,” writes Anne, a long-time supporter and legacy pledger.

Back then, Anne was a widowed mother of three young children. With the help of friends, she started a nursery to support her family and others in her community. Her passion for creating a safe, nurturing environment for children led her to sponsor a young girl named Florjana in Albania.

“When I received the first letter and photo, my heart just melted,” Anne recalls. “That was how my relationship with Florjana began.”

A bond that grew across borders

From the age of three to 18, Florjana became part of Anne’s life – and her family. “She became a part of our family,” Anne writes, “just as I became part of hers.”

Anne’s commitment didn’t stop there. She inspired the manager of a local after-school club to sponsor two children in Ethiopia – Yalewulet and Mekdes. The children at the club wrote letters, sent drawings, and even raised money to support their sponsored friends.

“They were absolutely delighted to receive a photo of the goat their money had bought,” Anne shares. “The letter of thanks explained how much the milk would help Yalewulet’s family.”

Seeing the impact first hand

In 2018, Anne had the opportunity to visit Florjana’s community in Albania (see top picture, where Anne went on a picnic with Florjana's family). She was deeply moved by the “positivity and growing confidence” of the students, and the dedication of the teachers. “They spoke so highly of how World Vision had enhanced their knowledge and practices,” she says.

Today, Anne sponsors Amina in Niger. She recently bumped into a former club member who is now a World Vision child sponsor himself.

“The light carries on,” she says with a smile.

Leaving a legacy of hope

Now retired and a grandmother of eight, Anne has thought deeply about the legacy she wants to leave. She’s chosen to include World Vision in her Will.

“Over the years, I’ve witnessed the incredible change that children and communities experience through World Vision’s work,” she says. 

The hope lives on.

Join Anne and become a pledger

Like Anne, you can help shape a brighter future — and as a thank you for your incredible support, we’d love to offer you a free Will through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy. It’s simple and flexible: you can write your Will online, over the phone, at a local branch, or even with a home visit.

It’s our way of saying thank you — and helping you take care of what matters most.