View a list of our sponsors

Adopt-A-Gran

Questions and Answers:

Who are the Grans receiving support?

• They are destitute elderly people who are unable to support themselves. Most of their families cannot financially care for them. Many are found abandoned on the street by the local caring organizations we support.

Do my funds go directly to the Gran?

• Help the Aged works with caring organizations such as catholic nuns from various congregations, the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Your donation goes to each caring organization which distributes the funds or purchases goods for individual Grans.

Why work through charitable agencies?

• We work through such organizations because they are already involved in communities and have identified people who need assistance. By working with them, we avoid costly duplication and ensure that sponsors' gifts go directly to the Grans. Program administration costs are also substantially reduced.

Do the Grans live in a home?

• Some of the grans live in institutions for the aged while others live in the community. Caring organizations visit them on a regular basis.

What will my donation provide?

• Sponsorship will ensure that your Gran receives food, clothing, shelter and medical attention when required. Each caring organization uses the money to the best advantage for the individuals in their care. As the needs vary, so does the way the money is spent, but the basics are always insured.

What information do I receive about my Gran?

• You will receive a photograph along with information about your Gran's personal situation, the caring organization looking after your Gran, and general information about the country. We encourage sponsors to write to their Grans, although most of the elderly are unable to write a reply. We ask each of the caring organizations to send a newsletter and updates on their Grans to keep sponsors informed.

Can I choose a Gran from any country?

• You can sponsor Grans (male or female) in the countries listed in the left column.

How much difference will my sponsorship really make?

• To most people in Canada, less than $1 a day doesn't sound like a lot. But in developing countries, where so many people live in extreme poverty, it can make all the difference in the world. It can provide somewhere to live, food to eat and medical care. Most importantly, it can bring hope for the future. In many of the countries that we support, the average person earns less than $324 per year.

How does a Gran become part of the program?

• The caring organizations are responsible for accepting homeless elderly people, on advice from local hospitals, churches, or simply when a destitute man or woman asks for assistance, or is found abandoned in the streets.