Life is going well for Sandy-Lee. She is happily married with two children and they have everything they need. But things were very different when Sandy-Lee was growing up. And she has never forgotten the sponsor who changed her life.
“We had a very hard upbringing. We attended 14 schools and experienced domestic violence. We were very poor. We hardly had food at home,” said Sandy-Lee.
“Before I was sponsored, I had old uniforms full of holes. The schools had upgraded their uniforms to a new design, but I still had the old one which made me stand out in a bad way.
“The Smith Family was a blessing. Sponsorship meant I had books and stationery for school. I got new shoes, bags and uniforms. It helped me so much with fitting in and not getting bullied.”
Sandy-Lee had always wanted to be a sponsor. In 2017, she made that dream a reality and couldn’t be happier.
“Knowing how much it helped me, I have always wanted to help a child in the same situation. It’s just money, but to that child it’s a lifesaver!” she said.
“As a child, I loved writing to my sponsor. It felt like someone cared for me. Now I get letters from my sponsored student and love it. Getting to know her is lovely. I write back and enjoy knowing she has a pen pal.”
“The Smith Family really does change lives. It gives children a boost in the right direction. Just knowing someone is out there who wants you to succeed is an amazing drive,” said Sandy-Lee.
“I would not have graduated high school if it weren't for my sponsor. From being a child with a sponsor, to now being a sponsor myself is incredible!”