Let’s face it – the holidays this year are a bit different for everyone. With the floundering economy and world news on our minds, many people seem to be looking for different ways to give this season. This unique time of change, both in our country and the world at large, is a great prompt for a shift in the way we look at gift-giving and sharing.
Honor the people you love with a responsible gift in their honor this year. Here are a few of those opportunities offered by some of my favorite businesses and non-profit organizations:
Passports with Purpose Raffle Tickets
Wanderlust & Lipstick’s own charity benefit is affordable, fun and has the potential for some GREAT wins. Besides the fantastic eco-clothing I profiled from Earth Creations, there is large array of other fun booty: everything from Hawaii hotel stays (a cheap destination I also highlighted recently) to travel journal writing lessons and much, much more. Hop on over to our prize list and then click on the link to the Firstgiving site to buy a few tickets to stuff in each of your holiday stockings. Oh and don’t forget to buy a few for yourself.
Help to purchase a cow for a Maasai family in Kenya
Traditionally, Maasai families used cows for fresh milk, cheese, clothing, school fees, and to meet health care needs for their children. Cows have also been used to build lasting relationships between families, individuals, and communities. This project (along with several others) is hosted by the Maasai Association, a great organization which you can read my write-up of by clicking here.
Buy a goat for a children’s co-op in Rwanda
Non-profit organization Itafari has formed 35 childrens’ cooperatives who will be given these goats to provide fertilizer that can be sold and used to grow grass, eventually be sold for meat and give children a chance to care for themselves, start their own businesses and become empowered. There are other programs you support through Itafari in Rwanda as well, such as providing microloans to Rwandans trying to get back on their feet.
Sponsor a child‘s educational costs in rural Nepal
The children in rural Nepal come from very poor families that often do not have the extra resources to send their kids to school. Through past fund drives, Crooked Trails has helped re-build and renovate the delapidated school structures in the village. $150 will cover one child’s school supplies, uniforms and schooling costs for an entire year.