Do you enjoy reading Anchors and Masts? Perhaps you’ll consider buying a Christmas present to show your appreciation.
Just £9 (US$15/AU$16) will help Oxfam provide a safe water supply for ten people in Africa:
Niema used to walk miles to the river every day. The water was dirty and often caused sickness. But not anymore.
This gift funds whatever is needed to ensure a safe supply of water for washing, cooking and drinking. In Niema’s case, that was a water pump for her village. Now there’s clean water on tap, and Niema’s seen a clear difference. She says: “The pump has changed our lives. I’ve now got time to collect water and go to school. Thank you.”
Or you could buy health check-ups, packets of seeds, or even a goat!
Go on, you know it’ll make you feel good, and your gift will make a real difference to the lives of those who need it most. So much better than a pair of socks.
Oxfam Unwrapped and I thank you in advance.
Now, please tell us all in the comments which charities you think are important to support this Christmas.
Elsewhere:
Or you could give one of the most precious gifts of all: your blood. Find out where to donate blood locally and go roll your sleeve up – American Red Cross, British National Blood Service, Australian Red Cross.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Can’t resist Tess’s invitation to suggest charities to support at Christmas. Can I invite you to check out Advantage Africa, a small and incredibly ‘lean’ organisation that searches out inspirational African men and women already doing terrific work in various places, and then supports them to extend and broaden their projects. They have a special interest in children orphaned or affected by HIV Aids, but who also have disabilities and are doubly disadvantaged. Thanks for looking.
http://www.advantageafrica.org
Tess, thanks for Anchors and Masts! Will send a contribution to OXFAM in the U.S., and it is exciting to see that they have been so active in working for solutions on global warming. The threat of warming and resulting loss coastal lands and food supplies around the world is at the very heart of OXFAM’s outreach!
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/
Maggie, thanks for this, I had a good look at the Advantage Africa site and their work looks exemplary.
kigen: thank you so much for this. Yes, sometimes it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that’s needed, and I think global warming solutions are foundational.
You have inspired me, Tess, once again! I have agreed to give a reflection at the wreath-lighting ceremony at the Chapel on 2.Advent and I am going to urge people to gift a goat for Christmas. Both Oxfam Canada and an organization I recently learned about, Chalice(Canada) do similar work. There will be a goat with your name on it, Tess, on its way to Africa!
Dear Tess, This is such a worthwhile organization! We donate to a similar cause that’s close to our hearts and that is the Episcopal Relief and Development Organization. They too distribute small loans to women, fresh water, goats, etc. It is such a good way to remember friends and family in a meaningful way. xoxo
Hi Tess,
We go with Habitat for Humanity and Heifer International as worthy organzations that use the contributions wisely.
Heifer sends area-appropriate domesticated animals or bees, train the recipients to care for the animal they receive, and have a pass-along program for the offspring so others in the area benefit soon, too. Why, if you or your company has $5000 to contribute, you can send a whole ark out to all corners of the planet! If funds are limited, you can contribute a share of a water buffalo or any other selection. These folks have been helping in this way since 1948.
Thanks for reminding us!
Barbara: how exciting, and thank you so much for this. (I actually love goats, they are so full of individuality, and so stubborn!)
SS: yes, it is a really good way to give, I think.
Barbara Anne: both these sound really good. I only wish I had a whole ark’s worth of contribution to give!
Love this Tess. Its our first year of 100% alternative gifting this year–and I am so glad I stopped over.
Much love. As ever.
Rachel, thanks. There’s so much stuff in our lives, isn’t there? And although I do have a lingering desire for more more, it’s tending to be more experiences and thoughts rather than things.
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