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....
Why should people do this?
