ANNUAL REPORT 2025:
LOCAL ACTION, GLOBAL IMPACT
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT/CEO AND BOARD CHAIR
In 2025, when the needs of children grew, and the challenges of reaching them intensified, we moved forward with focus and resolve.
Thanks to your support, we worked alongside millions of children and communities in crisis to strengthen locally led responses and help maintain stability, dignity, and hope.
In Gaza, families accessed life-saving assistance amid conflict and famine. In Ukraine, children continued learning despite the ongoing war. In South Sudan and Haiti, communities facing overlapping crises received healthcare, nutrition, and protection. In Canada, Indigenous initiatives were supported through the National Reconciliation Program.
We visited Mozambique and met women farmers whose leadership, supported through early investment, transformed a small initiative into a thriving, self-sustaining cooperative. Today, this model feeds families, supports children’s education, and is replicated across dozens of communities. A farmer, Rosa*, told us, “Before this (project), we often went to bed hungry. Now, my children are in school, we eat three meals a day, and I can save for the future.”
Her words are a powerful reminder of what is possible when local leadership is strengthened through partnership.
Throughout the year, we worked closely with partners to adapt quickly and make tough decisions together about how best to use limited resources. With your support, we focused on three clear priorities: (1) shifting power to local leadership, (2) ensuring our funding delivers the greatest possible impact, and (3) defending principled humanitarian action in complex and often high-risk environments.
These priorities will continue to guide our work as we respond to evolving needs with agility, care, and accountability. Your 2025 Annual Report: Local Action, Global Impact captures the scale of what we achieved together, the resilience of the communities we work alongside, and the progress your support made possible.
Because of you, we did not step back. We moved forward and, with your continued trust, we will build on this progress.
Thank you for your compassion and commitment to standing with children in crisis.
ON THE LEFT: Board Member Jill Zelmanovits takes a photo with a community member during a visit to a project site in Gaza Province, Mozambique. ON THE RIGHT: President & CEO, Danny Glenwright reads with a young girl outside an early childhood center in Chokwè, Mozambique.
ON THE LEFT: Board Member Jill Zelmanovits takes a photo with a community member during a visit to a project site in Gaza Province, Mozambique. ON THE RIGHT: President & CEO, Danny Glenwright reads with a young girl outside an early childhood center in Chokwè, Mozambique.
“I love going to school because I love writing. I love to read books, books about butterflies."
- Sylvie*, 8, Vanuatu
For children like Sylvie, living in a remote community, reading materials have been in short supply. The only way to reach the village is via a narrow mountain path on foot, and the only way to carry supplies up that path is on horseback. So that's exactly how Save the Children made sure deliveries reached the village school.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT
In a world facing growing uncertainty and overlapping crises, your support for children is making a vital difference.
Throughout 2025, you helped deliver life-changing programs for children affected by inequality, hunger, conflict, climate emergencies, and displacement at home and around the world.
Working together with partners and supporters, we will continue to protect children’s rights and strive for a brighter and more secure future.
CHILDREN AT THE HEART
OF OUR WORK
In 2025, children made up 64.8% of everyone we supported worldwide. Our five largest regions all reached a higher share of children than the year before, with the biggest jump in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
SUPPORT ACROSS
OUR FIVE PRIORITY AREAS
Of Save the Children’s five priority areas, our Health and Nutrition programming reached the greatest number of people in 2025, supporting 37.5 million people, including 24.1 million children.
The other four priority areas followed:
- Education programs supported 10.1 million people, including 8.8 million children.
- Child Poverty programs supported 7.1 million people, including 3.8 million children.
- Child Protection programs supported 5.6 million people, including 2.9 million children.
- Child Rights Governance programs supported 2.3 million people, including 1.7 million children.
OUR PURPOSE
To defend the rights of children in a world where these rights are constantly under threat. By uniting and mobilizing Canadians, together with children we make the world a better place—now and in the future.
OUR VISION
We envision a world in which every child’s rights to survival, protection, development, and participation are realized. We will achieve this by centering children’s voices and mobilizing Canadians in support of upholding and protecting these rights.
OUR FOCUS AREAS
Working with partners in Canada and around the world, and with the support of our community of donors, including you, we took urgent and necessary action to address the needs of children, with a focus on five key areas:
Reconciliation and Indigenous Child Rights
Gender
Equality
Children
in Crisis
Local Partnerships
Advocacy and Policy Influence
RECONCILIATION AND INDIGENOUS CHILD RIGHTS
The National Reconciliation Program (NRP) works to advance reconciliation and Indigenous rights. We partner with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Nations, communities, and organizations across Canada to support rights-based, culturally responsive, and community-led initiatives. These initiatives focus on mental health and wellness, climate resilience, and education.
Each initiative is developed and implemented in partnership with Nations and communities, with a shared commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. These partnerships focus on addressing the rights, priorities, and needs that communities themselves have identified as most critical for their children and youth.
Anishininew Wildfire Recovery: QBE Foundation’s Impact
In 2025, four First Nations communities in Northern Manitoba were evacuated twice due to wildfires. The repeated displacement had a significant impact on children, increasing the risk of anxiety, fear, and grief.
With the generous support of the QBE Foundation, communities led recovery initiatives grounded in Indigenous knowledge and traditional teachings, with a focus on supporting children’s mental health and strengthening cultural connection.
As part of these efforts, 300 support kits were distributed to children and families affected by the evacuations. Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the kits were designed to provide comfort, psychosocial care, and a sense of connection to community and culture during displacement. They included essential items such as hygiene supplies and name bracelets to help children and families while they were away from home.
"It’s not just about drawing or activities - they care about [a] child’s inner experiences "
- Ivanna*, 35, mother of Emiliya*, 7, Ukraine
Emiliya attends a Child Friendly Space in Sumy, Ukraine. It made a huge difference to her wellbeing and ability to communicate with other children. Her mother says the facilitators show genuine care for the children and ensure they feel included and heard.
GENDER EQUALITY
With your support, we have made significant progress in reducing gender inequality, bringing us closer to a world where every child, regardless of gender, has an equal right to survive, grow, and thrive. Our programs are designed to address the unique needs and barriers faced by girls, boys, women, and men — driving lasting, community-led change. Together with families, leaders, and young people, we are tackling the root causes of inequality to create a more just and inclusive future for all children.
A space to breathe, learn, and grow
In crisis settings, girls often face heightened risks of isolation, inequality, and limited access to safe, supportive spaces. In Za’atari camp in Jordan, Save the Children is helping girls build confidence, develop skills, and connect with one another through empowerment centres.
These centres provide safe, structured environments where girls can learn about their rights and wellbeing, explore interests such as art and languages, and participate in activities including health education and self-defence. Designed around girls’ needs and interests, the centres foster belonging, resilience, and agency.
Back in school, headed for success
In Mozambique, barriers such as poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to school materials continue to prevent many girls from completing their education. Through the She Belongs in School project, Save the Children is working with communities to support girls in returning to learning, staying in school, and building a more secure future.
The project supports out-of-school girls through community-based education programs, providing accelerated learning, school supplies, and psychosocial support. By working closely with community mentors and families, the initiative helps address the social barriers that prevent girls accessing education.
For girls like Olga*, this support is life changing. At 17, financial barriers interrupted her education and kept her out of the classroom.
Since I received support from the project, my life has changed. I went back to school and now I encourage my friends to do the same. The future lies in education.
With the support of the project, including receiving school supplies, and mentoring sessions to help her with reintegration into the classroom, she regained confidence in her abilities and returned to learning.
Today, she is enrolled in 7th grade and continuing her education despite the long journey to school each day.
"Since receiving this treatment, I have seen a big difference in my daughter's condition. She is eating well again, she has regained her energy, and she is playful like before. "
- Amal*, 25, mother of Fatma*, 12 months old, Somalia
Amal's daughter, Fatma*, was placed on a structured treatment plan that included anti-diarrheal medication and a therapeutic high-nutrient milk formula. She received carefully monitored feedings four times a day. Her weight, nutritional status, and overall health were closely monitored by dedicated health staff. Gradually, Fatma began to recover.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Local leadership driving change for early childhood educators in Mozambique
In Mozambique, local women's rights organization Fórum Mulher is leading efforts to improve the recognition, rights, and working conditions of women working in early childhood education. Through the Lhaissa ("We Care") project, implemented in partnership with Save the Children and the Mozambican Resource Centre for Inclusive Education (CREI), Fórum Mulher is addressing a long-overlooked reality: while women carry much of the responsibility for caring for young children, the caregivers themselves often lack recognition, legal protections, and decent working conditions.
Lhaissa aims to equip early childhood educators with the knowledge and confidence to understand their rights, advocate for fair treatment, and become leaders in their communities. More than 100 educators have received training in workers' rights, gender equality, disability inclusion and leadership, helping them see themselves not only as caregivers, but as rights-holders and changemakers.
For Silvia, an educator in Gaza Province, the training was life-changing. "Before the training, I didn't know I had rights," she said. Inspired by what they learned, Silvia and her colleagues began reviewing employment contracts, advocating for fair pay, and speaking up about their working conditions. In several cases, these efforts resulted in workers receiving compensation they were owed.
Today, Fórum Mulher is building on this momentum by bringing together educators, civil society organizations and government partners to advocate for lasting policy change. By strengthening local leadership and collective action, the organization is helping ensure the women who care for young children receive the recognition, protections and opportunities they deserve.
ADVOCACY AND POLICY INFLUENCE
In 2025, Save the Children championed children’s rights through advocacy and policy initiatives aimed at creating lasting change. Insights from children, families, and communities helped identify the policy changes needed to better protect children’s rights and improve their well-being.
Our advocacy focused on three key areas:
- Advocating for sustained international development and humanitarian funding
- Advocating for the protection of children in conflict and humanitarian crises
- Advancing gender equality as a core pillar of children’s rights
We engaged with decision-makers, partners, and the public to help keep children’s rights at the centre of Canada’s global leadership and policy discussions. During the 2025 federal election, we also encouraged supporters to raise issues affecting children with political candidates and elected officials.
Advocacy in Action: Stop the War on Children
Our annual Stop the War on Children report, Security For Whom? Militaries Funded, Children Forgotten, highlighted an alarming increase in serious violations of children's rights during conflict. It called for urgent action to better protect children and uphold their rights.
We also released the companion report, Security For Whom? Canada Spotlight, which examined how Canada is putting its commitments to protect children affected by conflict into action. The report identified practical ways Canada can take stronger, more consistent action across different crises, strengthening our advocacy with decision-makers.
Our advocacy to strengthen Canada’s leadership in protecting children affected by conflict was reinforced by leading human rights voices. Following the release of Security for Whom? Canada Spotlight, Alex Neve, 2025 CBC Massey Lecturer and Professor of International Human Rights Law at the University of Ottawa, underscored the urgency of translating Canada’s commitments into action.
The Security For Whom? Canada Spotlight report shows that Canada’s commitment to protecting children in conflict is not always matched by consistent action. At a time when record numbers of children are living through war, Canada must close these gaps and ensure its diplomacy, aid decisions and arms control commitments truly uphold the rights and protection of children.”
We convened events and meetings with policymakers across government, including officials from Global Affairs Canada, ministerial offices, Senators, and their staff, to advance Canada's commitments to children. These engagements equipped decision-makers with evidence and insights to strengthen understanding of children's rights and the protection of children affected by armed conflict, informed policy discussions, strengthened strategic relationships, and kept children's rights at the forefront of government decision-making.
“If I’d married early, I’d be raising kids now. Instead, I’m studying and standing on my own feet,”
- Amina*, 18, Bangladesh
Through Save the Children's program, Amina learned about the risks of child marriage, strengthening her determination to stay in school. With support from Save the Children's Income Generating Scheme, she received a goat, which she successfully raised into a herd of four. The income helped her family earn a living and pay for her exams so she could return to school.
CHILDREN IN CRISIS
When violence escalates or a natural disaster occurs, we act quickly to protect children and save lives. In 2025, we responded immediately to major humanitarian crises across 68 countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gaza, Haiti, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Ukraine.
During and after emergencies, children are at an increased risk of abuse, exploitation, malnutrition, and disruptions to education and healthcare. With your support, we help protect children, keep them learning, and support them as they rebuild their lives. This includes access to essential health and nutrition services, child protection programs, and safe spaces where children can recover from trauma and regain their sense of stability.
Murad’s* health has improved after receiving treatment | Photo: Ahmed Al Basha / Save the Children
Murad’s* health has improved after receiving treatment | Photo: Ahmed Al Basha / Save the Children
ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
At just eight months old, Murad experienced the effects of conflict and economic hardship in Yemen. Due to limited access to nutritious food during his mother’s pregnancy, he developed severe acute malnutrition.
After being referred to a nearby Save the Children health centre by a community health worker, Murad received critical nutritional treatment and medical care. His mother, Fatima*, also started bringing him for regular check-ups to monitor his recovery. With continued care and therapeutic feeding, Murad became healthier and stronger, improving his chances for a brighter future.
Murad has responded well to treatment. His weight has improved, and his appetite has grown thanks to therapeutic feeding and weekly follow-ups.”
To reach more children like Murad, Save the Children launched the Malnutrition and Protection for Lifesaving in Emergencies project, funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. This multi-country, three-year initiative helps children and their families affected by crises, including displaced populations and host communities, by providing lifesaving nutrition, health and protection services.
Beyond physical recovery, children also need safe environments to heal emotionally and regain a sense of normalcy. Through child-friendly spaces, Save the Children provides structured activities and psychosocial support to help children cope with trauma and rebuild confidence.
Dana*, 13, at Save the Children's Child Friendly Space | Photo: Roni Ahmed / Save the Children
Dana*, 13, at Save the Children's Child Friendly Space | Photo: Roni Ahmed / Save the Children
HEALING THROUGH PLAY
For Dana*, child-friendly safe spaces became a turning point. After years of conflict, displacement, and loss, she arrived at a camp in northeast Syria, withdrawn and struggling with fear and isolation. At a child-friendly space, Dana gradually reconnected with others, expressed herself through creative activities, and began to build resilience.
A little space like this means so much to us, the parents. It’s a safe place that we can leave our children at. They meet friends, play games, forget about their worries and the bad memories of the past, learn new things, and build dreams.”
Over time, Dana found joy and confidence through soccer, eventually forming a girls’ team in the camp. This renewed sense of purpose encouraged her to attend school for the first time.
Dana, 13, (red hijab) plays football at a Child Friendly Space.| Photo: Roni Ahmed / Save the Children
Dana, 13, (red hijab) plays football at a Child Friendly Space.| Photo: Roni Ahmed / Save the Children
A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS
Strengthening Youth Leadership and Climate Resilience: GSK’s Impact
Since 2016, our corporate partner GSK and Save the Children have worked together to advance emergency preparedness and climate-focused initiatives rooted in Indigenous-led solutions. Through this collaboration, GSK has demonstrated a strong commitment to reconciliation by supporting culturally-grounded, community-driven projects that empower Indigenous children, youth, and families across Canada.
In 2024-2025, GSK expanded its support through the Seal River Watershed Alliance project, a collaborative partnership between Barren Lands First Nation, Northlands Dene Nation, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, and Sayisi Dene First Nation to permanently protect the watershed as an Indigenous Protected Area. A key component of the project is the Youth Land Guardians Program, which strengthens youth leadership through land-based learning, wellness activities, and participation in community decision-making and governance.
With support from GSK, the Guardians Program is equipping youth and Elders from the four Alliance Nations to monitor, record, and care for the health of the Seal River Watershed. The project has directly impacted 52 youth, and 103 more have connected through presentations and workshops.
It is a remarkable time for our nations and with these actions we are rewriting our narrative, we are changing stories based on the future we want to see for ourselves”
Participants take part in land-based learning and cultural activities through the Youth Land Guardians Program, a collaboration between GSK, the Seal River Watershed Alliance (SRWA) and Save the Children’s National Reconciliation Program. Photo: Courtesy of Seal River Watershed Alliance
Participants take part in land-based learning and cultural activities through the Youth Land Guardians Program, a collaboration between GSK, the Seal River Watershed Alliance (SRWA) and Save the Children’s National Reconciliation Program. Photo: Courtesy of Seal River Watershed Alliance
A decade of impact for children thanks to Carter’s
Since 2015, our corporate partner Carter’s has been a committed ally in our shared purpose to build a world where every child can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. In Canada, this decade-long partnership has been deeply rooted in the National Reconciliation Program, demonstrating their meaningful collaboration in support of Indigenous children, families, and communities.
Over the past 10 years, Carter’s has contributed to a range of impactful initiatives, from climate change resilience and maternal and newborn health programs to emergency response efforts and support for Indigenous communities through culturally relevant programming.
Thanks to Carter’s ongoing support, The Indigenous Support Project has become an impactful community organization, delivering food sovereignty programming and life-saving support to people experiencing homelessness in downtown Toronto. In 2024-2025, the initiative reached 865 people.
Over the course of our partnership, Carter’s, through its in-store Gift Box Program has raised more than $1 million in support of Indigenous children and communities. This incredible achievement has enabled Indigenous communities to implement programs based on locally-identified priorities – leading to lasting, sustainable change.
Carter’s employees participate in learning sessions on Indigenous children’s rights, the impacts of colonialism and the importance of reconciliation today, as part of their employee engagement activities in partnership with Save the Children’s National Reconciliation Program.
Carter’s employees participate in learning sessions on Indigenous children’s rights, the impacts of colonialism and the importance of reconciliation today, as part of their employee engagement activities in partnership with Save the Children’s National Reconciliation Program.
SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of the Independent Auditor on the Summary Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2025
OPINION
The summary financial statements, which comprise the summary statement of financial position as at December 31, 2025, and the summary statements of operations and changes in net assets for the year then ended, and related note, are derived from the audited financial statements of Save the Children Canada (the “Organization”) for the year ended December 31, 2025.
In our opinion, the accompanying summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial statements, on the basis described in the Note to the summary financial statements.
SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Reading the summary financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the Organization’s audited financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon.
The summary financial statement the audited financial statements do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on the audited financial statements.
THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OUR REPORT THEREON
We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited financial statements in our report dated June 16, 2026.
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation of the summary financial statements on the basis described in the Note to the summary financial statements.
AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITY
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the summary financial statements are a fair summary of the audited financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.
OUR FINANCIAL PROGRESS
OVER THE YEARS
THANK YOU
Working with an extraordinary network of donors, partners, supporters, and advocates, we are committed to making positive lasting changes in children’s lives.
Your tremendous generosity and continued support are helping children and families around the world build brighter futures.
On behalf of the millions reached by Save the Children in 2025, we thank you and hope you continue the journey with us.
*Names are changed to protect the person's identity.
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