As many of us sit here on this Christmas Eve wondering if we have gotten that last and final gift, hoping the gifts we got are what all of our loved ones wanted, and even a bit selfishly hoping that tomorrow that one item we have been dreaming about for months will be under the tree, millions around the world are dreaming for a Christmas miracle of their own.
While we ponder over scarves, perfume or those cute little earrings….the football jersey, MP3 player or the ultimate video game…children and their families across the globe sit in hope for a gift which could change their lives, a gift that could help them brake the chains of poverty. Thankfully for many children and their families the gift of hope will arrive this year thanks to charitable holiday giving schemes, such as those of Heifer International, World Vision, Oxfam Unwrapped, FARM-Africa Presents, Save the Children “Wish List”, Present Aid, UNICEF Shop, Practical Presents, CAFOD World Gifts, ActionAid – Gifts in Action, and many other programs. Many of these programs directly provide families and individuals with gifts such as live stock and other practical items, which will assist them in becoming self sufficient.
Sustainable giving is the way forward, and while many of the gifts are symbolic to the donor the effects are not. Stories such as Rampai's are becoming more common. “Rampai's fortunes changed when the international charity World Vision gave her Pinki. In the last 16 months, Pinki's proven to be an income-generating resource, producing 24 piglets, which Rampai has sold at various points of development to earn between 150 Maloti (US$21) and 1,000 Maloti (US$145) each (Holiday gifts pave the way to self-sufficiency).
While these gifts do not always prove to be as prosperous and sustainable as donors would like, there is no dispute that sustainable gifts are increasing in popularity for both donors and recipients.
