12 Charities in 2011: February – Heifer International

Posted on February 27, 2011 8 Comments

For years, I have received the Heifer International catalog in the mail around Christmas time. Every year, I open the catalog, marvel at the charity’s great work and powerful mission, and save the catalog until about June, when I disappointingly recycle it and pledge to donate next year. I’m delighted, therefore, to let you know that “next year” has finally arrived: as part of my 12 charities in 2011 initiative, my February charity is Heifer International. I donated $20 to give a flock of chicks to a family in need.

The cool thing about Heifer is that each donation, no matter how large or small, is more than just a one-time gift. Through Heifer’s “Passing on the Gift” pledge, recipients agree to share the offspring of gift animals with others in need, making them “equal partners with in the fight to end world hunger.” Environment and sustainable development is taught to project recipients to help them achieve sustainable agricultural production, and animal well being guidelines are strictly reinforced with professional veterinary training staff. (Read more here.)  In addition to their relief efforts, the group also does youth education and team building here in the US.

The one regret I have is that I initially wanted to open up a Pay Pal account on my page in early February so we could all donate something more expensive than a flock of chicks (like a goat or a gardener’s gift basket) together. But between my uncle’s death, my man-friend’s bar exam, work, and my blog breaking a few times this month, it didn’t quite happen. Should you want to donate something to Heifer, my cousin offered a great technique: consider hosting a Heifer dinner party. At the party’s open, announce that you’re collecting funds for Heifer. Place the catalog and a donation box in the room where people can browse while having drinks and appetizers. At the end of the night, open the box and see what you’re buying.  When she threw her party, she was convinced she’d come up with honeybees, but after a few bottles of wine, she ended up getting enough to donate a water buffalo! How’s that for a great end to a little dinner party – helping a family and a community somewhere across the globe move past hunger and poverty.

Regrets aside, I’m thrilled to make this small donation to a very deserving charity. I hope it inspires you to consider finding your own cause.

Category: Money
   Tags: giving

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