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ADDIS ABABA,
Ethiopia, Dec. 14 -- After traveling more than
22,000 miles through five countries over the past five
weeks, World Vision's "Spirit of Christmas" tour team
ends its worldwide journey with a final stop in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
Since November 19, World Vision and more than 18,000
fans on Facebook have been traveling the globe as part
of the Christian humanitarian agency's "Spirit of
Christmas" tour. The tour seeks to illustrate both the
heartbreaking circumstances of the poor and the
inspiring impact even small donations of a few dollars
can have in changing the lives of children and their
families around the world. The team's trip took them to
New York City; Quito, Ecuador; Phnom Penh, Cambodia;
Lusaka, Zambia and finally, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
"Over the past five weeks, my heart has been broken by
the tremendous need in the world, but I've also been
inspired by the hope and perseverance of the people
we've met," said Devin Hermanson, campaign manager for
the tour. "This year, we are asking for a Christmas
miracle because the need in the world right now is
extraordinary."
Fast facts about the "Spirit of Christmas" tour:
The team has traveled more than 22, 228 miles since
November 19.
So far, more than $9.4 million -- or nearly 38% of the
goal -- has been raised toward this year's $25 million
goal.
The team has visited 5 countries in 5 weeks and been to
4 different continents.
More than 18,000 fans have "virtually" traveled with the
team through their Facebook page.
World Vision seeks to raise a record-breaking $25
million through the World Vision Gift Catalog to help
provide these communities with much-needed resources
like water, livestock, medicine, and agriculture --
assistance that could change the lives of nearly 625,000
people. If World Vision meets the Gift Catalog's
financial goal this year, it would be far more than the
aid agency has ever raised during the holiday period,
making it a truly extraordinary response in
extraordinary times.
World Vision launched the Gift Catalog in 1996. A gift
given through the catalog significantly improves the
life of a child or family in need by providing tools and
opportunities to overcome extreme poverty, while at the
same time honor donor's friends and loved ones.
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