Children of Soldiers Fund

My sister’s birthday is right around the corner and I’ve been thinking of what to give her. She is an amazing woman and deserving of all manner of wondrous and amazing gifts and blessings. Guess what? She doesn’t need anything. She may not want anything except another grandchild and that is so out of my control.

The gift that keeps on giving

My sister is someone who continually gives to others. She is the head honcho of the largest non-profit in one of the largest cities in the United States. Giving and making a difference in other’s lives is her life. I thought about making a donation to a charity she would support. Although she works for a non-profit in the community, my thought was to make a donation in her name to something outside of the community… such as Heifer International.

If you are someone who takes joy in making a difference in someone’s life, I would recommend Heifer International. You could give $30 for a trio of rabbits to assist someone in beginning either a business or raising food for themselves. Heifer International provides training for each one of the folks that receive a gift. In addition each receiver is required to “pay it forward.” When the rabbits reproduce, and we all know they do that quite well, they give a pair of rabbits to someone else so they can have food and an income. If limited in income, you can donate money for a “share” of rabbits for $10. There are many other animals as well as birds, bees and seeds you can help buy.

I’ve given to Heifer before and I’m getting ready to do so again. I love their model and appreciate the education and commitment to sharing which assists an entire community.

The gift you can give repeatedly

I’ve decided upon another gift for my sister. I think she’ll enjoy a gift she can give repeatedly that can change someone’s life… and then be able to do it again. Have you heard of Kiva? This is another one of my favorite charities, although, technically it is not a charity. A client once gave me a gift certificate to this group.

With Kiva you are providing very small loans, called micro-loans, to people who are establishing or expanding their business. Here in the United States we think of having to have a tremendous amount of money to start a business in the food industry. In underdeveloped parts of the world an investment of $600 can make a huge difference.

You make loans of $25 or more to someone on the list. You get to choose who it goes to and, because it’s a loan I get it back. Then you repeat the process or take the money out for your own use.

This is the one I’m giving to my sister. She can choose someone to give it to and then, when it’s repaid, get it back and buy something else she’d like. Knowing her, she’ll do exactly what I do… keep loaning money to help these entrepreneurs in underdeveloped areas support themselves and their families.

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