Some 2,200 children in Iasi city, Romania received Christmas gifts as a result of a fundraising campaign organized by World Vision in December. World Vision staff and volunteers raised more than US $10,000 by promoting the campaign's main message - every child deserves a present on Christmas - at a popular shopping mall and at the largest companies in Iasi.

Children from the communities of Aroneanu, Ceplenita, Costuleni, Golaiesti, Vladeni and Scinteia received Christmas gifts purchased with the donations during a special event organized in the communities' schools and churches.

In return for their contributions, donors received handmade greeting cards. World Vision sponsored children, volunteers and staff worked together to create over 3,000 greeting cards. Also, on each day of the three-week campaign donors had the opportunity to see children from the six communities sing Christmas carols.

'We're very grateful to everyone that got involved and helped us through this challenge. People understood what we were trying to do – to bring a smile to children's faces and hearts. We poured our hearts and souls into this campaign and we are very happy with the results,' said Ciprian Stratan, World Vision Romania marketing specialist.


'I chose to get involved in this campaign because I believe that the only way to make a difference is to start doing things yourself. I don't believe in waiting around and wishing for things to change. It was a team effort and I am so glad that our work wasn't in vain,' said Poliana Radu, one of the volunteers.

'I was motivated by the thought that so many children would have happy smiles on Christmas morning – it can't get any better than that!' she said.

'Even if it sounds incredible, there are still many children, especially in rural communities, who have never received presents on Christmas day. We hope that we can have more events like this in the future,' said Mr. Stratan.