The Goat Project
I'm a huge believer in giving back. This year when my mom asked me for my Christmas list, I had to go online and search for things I would like or need. Nothing sprung to mind immediately and I felt a little weird about putting things on the list that I would like but wasn't dying to get. So I decided to ask my mom for a goat.
When I asked my mom, her eyes got worried and I laughed because I knew she thought I was asking for a pet goat! I love goats but they need a lot of work and love, and I could never own one! I meant that I would like her to instead spend the money with which she would normally buy me presents on a goat from Heifer International. My family typically buys an animal from Heifer International for a family during the holidays anyway, but this year I wanted to do something special, just for me.
For those of you who don't know, Heifer International, previously known as the Heifer Project, is a global nonprofit organization with the goal of ending hunger and poverty in a sustainable fashion. In Heifer International's own words:
"By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, we empower them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into self-reliance and hope. With gifts of livestock and training, Heifer projects help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. We refer to the animals as "living loans" because in exchange for their livestock and training, families agree to give one of its animal's offspring to another family in need. It's called Passing on the Gift – a cornerstone of our mission that creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace."
Instead of a typical charity where you donate money, you "purchase" a livestock animal for a poor child or family in need. There are many different options for gifts: cattle, sheep, rabbits, honeybees, pigs, llamas, water buffalo, chicks, ducks, goats, geese, even tree seedlings. They even have a wedding "registry", which I will most definitely be registering for one day! The organization helps families and children all over the world in South America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.
I chose a goat because they are truly great for families. They can thrive in extreme climates and poor, dry land by eating grass and leaves. A dairy goat can supply a family with several quarts of milk a day, which can be used by the family, sold or used to make cheese, butter or yogurt. The goat manure can be used to fertilize gardens. Goats also typically have two or three kids a year, which the family is free to raise or give to another family in need! Goats are a good investment that can allow needy families to lift themselves out of poverty by starting small dairies that earn money for food, health care and education.
My mom told me that it might be possible for me to "get" a goat and a few small presents. I'm not picky and I don't really need anything. My only regret is that I typically only think to give back during this time of year. But that will change; I am determined.
When I asked my mom, her eyes got worried and I laughed because I knew she thought I was asking for a pet goat! I love goats but they need a lot of work and love, and I could never own one! I meant that I would like her to instead spend the money with which she would normally buy me presents on a goat from Heifer International. My family typically buys an animal from Heifer International for a family during the holidays anyway, but this year I wanted to do something special, just for me.
For those of you who don't know, Heifer International, previously known as the Heifer Project, is a global nonprofit organization with the goal of ending hunger and poverty in a sustainable fashion. In Heifer International's own words:
"By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, we empower them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into self-reliance and hope. With gifts of livestock and training, Heifer projects help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. We refer to the animals as "living loans" because in exchange for their livestock and training, families agree to give one of its animal's offspring to another family in need. It's called Passing on the Gift – a cornerstone of our mission that creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace."
Instead of a typical charity where you donate money, you "purchase" a livestock animal for a poor child or family in need. There are many different options for gifts: cattle, sheep, rabbits, honeybees, pigs, llamas, water buffalo, chicks, ducks, goats, geese, even tree seedlings. They even have a wedding "registry", which I will most definitely be registering for one day! The organization helps families and children all over the world in South America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.
I chose a goat because they are truly great for families. They can thrive in extreme climates and poor, dry land by eating grass and leaves. A dairy goat can supply a family with several quarts of milk a day, which can be used by the family, sold or used to make cheese, butter or yogurt. The goat manure can be used to fertilize gardens. Goats also typically have two or three kids a year, which the family is free to raise or give to another family in need! Goats are a good investment that can allow needy families to lift themselves out of poverty by starting small dairies that earn money for food, health care and education.
My mom told me that it might be possible for me to "get" a goat and a few small presents. I'm not picky and I don't really need anything. My only regret is that I typically only think to give back during this time of year. But that will change; I am determined.
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