A World Without Hunger
Here in the US we tend to be about immediate gratification. Especially this season, we will most likely each receive a mountain of gifts that will be well loved. For a minute. By next Christmas, most of this year's haul will be all but forgotten. So how about a gift that keeps on giving generation after generation? A gift that has the ability to change lives and end hunger?
Thanks to the amazing, amazing, amazing-ness that is Heifer International this is a very tangible thing. Founded in 1944, the history of this organization is simple and spectacular. Rather than provide short-term emergency relief they are committed to creating self-reliance and sustainability. The concept is this, a donor (YOU!) purchases the gift of live stock, from young heifers to honeybees, which is then gifted to a family in need in one of 50 countries. This family then has a source of food and possibly a source an income, that continues to grow and produce and reproduce.
And this is where you'll be blown away. The crux of the program is that those who receive a gift are required to then pass the gift on to someone else. By sharing their animal's offspring - along with their knowledge, skills and resources - an entire network of hope, dignity and self-reliance is created. So, essentially, after some time has passed, the gift of one animal can help sustain an entire village!
Heifer International, has me all sorts of excited, THIS is how we change the world! And so things have changed around here, along with blocks and puzzles and books, my 2 year old has honey bees and bunnies on his Christmas list this year, we might not see them ourselves, but knowing is enough for me.
Thank you for reminding me of this fantastic organization. We will be giving the gift of some animal (which ever one my 2 year old picks) for Christmas this year. I will also be posting it on my blog as well.
Thanks for the reminder that so little money can make a world of difference somewhere else.
Posted by: Alice | November 29, 2007 at 07:45