Canadian Christmas presents changed thousands of lives

LUSAKA, Zambia, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - It is like a happy ending to a holiday movie for a grateful mother in Zambia, who safely cradles her child. Juanet Milimo is one of hundreds of people provided with much-needed medical help at a new clinic in Zambia. This support was made possible by creative Canadians who used the World Vision Gift Catalogue to give thoughtful gifts to their loved ones.  The medical clinic is kept fully stocked, thanks to supplies received through the Stock a Medical Clinic present in the gift catalogue.

Milimo proudly holds her four-month-old daughter, the first child born in the clinic, which was opened in July. She had complications with her previous pregnancies and had serious concerns when she became pregnant last year. When she went into labour in July, she was able to go to the clinic. Access to medical treatment made all the difference, ensuring a safe delivery.

Milimo says, "I thank God that they helped me; otherwise I could have died."

In addition to maternal health, the clinic deals with a variety of medical issues. Beaulah Jembo, a community health worker, emphasizes how important it is to keep it stocked. "We treat malaria, diarrhea, intestinal worms and many other diseases," Explains Jembo. She says the community has a lower mortality rate because of these treatments. Jembo adds she is thankful to Canadians for their help, "they have saved a lot of lives."

A recent survey released by Harris Decima for World Vision indicates 74 per cent of Canadians would prefer to receive a gift that would help someone in need, rather than a traditional gift like clothing or electronics. Last year Canadians gave more than 9,900 Stock a Medical Clinic gifts, an ideal present for someone who is passionate about health. 

Visit www.worldvision.ca/gifts for information on World Vision Gift Catalogue gifts that change lives. With more than 90 charitable gifts to choose from it is easy to find something that would make a fun and thoughtful gift, personalized to what matters most to the gift receiver.

World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Video with caption: "Video: Canadian presents change lives in Zambia". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20111212_C5046_VIDEO_EN_8164.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20111212_C5046_PHOTO_EN_8164.jpg&clientName=World%20Vision%20Canada&caption=Video%3A%20Canadian%20presents%20change%20lives%20in%20Zambia&title=Canadian%20presents%20change%20lives%20in%20Zambia&headline=Canadian%20Christmas%20presents%20changed%20thousands%20of%20lives

Image with caption: "Juanet Milimo is one of hundreds of people provided with much needed medical help at a new clinic in Zambia. Medical supplies in this clinic, provided by Canadians through the World Vision Gift Catalogue, helped protect her life and the life of her daughter (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111212_C5046_PHOTO_EN_7976.jpg

Image with caption: "Beaulah Jembo, a community health worker at a clinic in Zambia, examines medical supplies provided to her clinic by Canadians through the World Vision Gift Catalogue. According to Jembo these medical supplies have lowered mortality rates in her community. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111212_C5046_PHOTO_EN_7977.jpg