We can all make a difference to poverty - even if it is just a little one.I am a Kiva member. You could do that or you could support one of the many organisations that sponsor children, or you could buy Fair Trade products at the supermarket, or you could do your Christmas/wedding/birthday shopping through something like Oxfam's Unwrapped program, or you could donate food to your local church or welfare agency that puts together hampers for those who need help in our own communities ... well the list is endless actually.
So how much will this "hurt" you?
Kiva starts at $25. Child sponsorship is around $1 a day. Fair Trade usually has a small premium on it but that is only because the farmer is actually getting a fair price for their produce. Shopping through Unwrapped means you have less crap in your own house and "presents" start at $10. You can buy a can of baked beans for $1.
There is something in there for everyone really. There is something we can all do. Take up the challenge.
2 comments:
Ya know, I'd never heard of Kiva 'til yesterday, and now here it is a 2nd time. What is it?
Kiva is a fabulous not for profit group in which we (the members) directly fund individuals in developing countries to start small businesses in $25 lots.
So if someone needs (say) $75, one person could contribute, one two or three lots. Potentially three people could fund the enterprise.
Once it has been repaid we can either lend again, or take our money back. The repayment rate is incredible.
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