Jules Svidunovich recently completed a fundraiser raising money for the child he sponsors in Ecuador. The child’s name is Carlos, and Jules Svidunovich has been sponsoring him for many years now. Jules Svidunovich held the fundraiser as part of an effort to purchase all of Carlos’ needs for the upcoming school year, plus a couple send off presents to make this year special.

Sponsorship programs for children across the world are fairly common. Charitable people with an interest in making the world a better place, like Jules Svidunovich, can often go through these resources to make personal contact with a child in need of aid. The agencies are careful to screen both the aid givers and recipients for fraud. They also do their best to match people they think will be able to forge a strong friendship, moving beyond a simple charitable act.

Jules Svidunovich joined one of these sponsorship agencies with an idea of helping someone less fortunate than himself, but he could not have prepared for the effect it would have on him. He has found that it is not just about sending money to a faceless child across the world. Rather, he has built a meaningful friendship with Carlos, and is sincerely invested in helping him.

“That’s why I threw this fundraiser,” Jules Svidunovich says. “Because I know this kid, and I know he deserves more than what he’s got. And if other people know that too, then there’s a chance that we’ll really be able to help him. And that’s all I want.”

Jules Svidunovich kept the fundraiser a secret from Carlos, saying it would be better if he could surprise him later. With the money he raised, he will have more than enough to cover Carlos’ needs for the school year, plus a little extra.

Carlos’ parents, who were aware of the fundraiser, are especially thankful for the help and support they’ve received from Jules Svidunovich. They appreciate not just the financial support that Jules Svidunovich provides, but the fact that Carlos now has a pen pal, someone engaged in his life and invested in his future.