What’s involved?
Last weekend I went to a 21st birthday party. The birthday girl has been a great friend for several years, but lately, as life has moved in different directions, we have drifted. I had no idea what to get her.
In the end _she_ gave me the inspiration. She cares deeply about the _suffering of the millions_ of individuals in developing countries. She, and I, think that such suffering shouldn't happen in a world where people can also live with affluence like ourselves.
Also, one of the biggest problems we face in our society at the moment is _waste_, which is slowly killing our world.
So.. you ask, what has this got to do with her birthday present?
Well, I was contemplating buying her a nice gift of jewelery or housewares etc.. when I had an epiffany. I could give to charity for her, the amount I would spend on her present.
+Can you imagine the impact that would have if half of the presents bought in Australia alone were not bought and a donation was made to charity instead?+
I found the idea mind boggling. The most beneficial part is that it would reduce the amount of useless stuff we get given as gifts. _It turns out my friend loved it. She even had tears in her eyes she thought it was so beautiful._
You can give to any charity and give your friend the receipt or a thankyou note from the charity. Or there are other types of donations, like the ones I made, where you can buy an item for a poor village in another country. For instance, a chicken, a goat, AIDS and HIV education, a water well or even food for the whole village for an entire month!!! It doesnt take much.
+Basically I am advocating a gift of love and passion. One that _makes a real difference to a life._ Your friend will appreciate it more than you know....+
I want to do this!
