Team seeks "Christmas miracle" to raise enough money to help 625,000 people in need this year

Contact: Laura Blank, World Vision, 646-245-2496 cell, lblank@worldvision.org  

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Dec. 14 /Standard Newswire/ -- 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 your friends and loved ones.  There are more than 100 gifts (many under $35) to choose from.  To order, visit our website www.worldvisiongifts.org or call toll-free (888) 511-6511. All items tax deductible.     

To schedule an interview with the team as they travel, please contact Laura Blank at lblank@worldvision.org or +1.646.245.2496  To follow the team online, log onto Facebook, visit us on Twitter, or check out the "Spirit of Christmas" campaign site at www.worldvisiongifts.org.

About World Vision 
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.  We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org/press.