I know, I know it is the middle of October and so the C word makes most of us cringe HOWEVER, the smart one’s are the people who have started their gift planning already. I am in awe of those organized people who don’t have to panic and rush and instead give out really truly thoughtful gifts.
The last few years I have been trying to think of gifts that do some good. One year we found these cute ‘water’ cards from Free the Children to give as teacher gifts. We also purchased some beautiful necklaces too. I looked into the programs and the stories and made sure our purchase did actually help. In this day and age we are overwhelmed with the needs of our fellow humans (and non humans) across the planet. Christmas is just one day in the year that we tend to think about not only how lucky we are but how unlucky others are and I have found for our family, that it is the perfect time to discuss global citizenship from the safe comforts of our own homes.
Paula Schuck of Thrifty Mommas Tips reminded me again of how important it is to help in any way we can with her involvement with World Vision Canada. You can read about her experiences here.
We can’t all travel the world, of donate HUGE amounts of money. Our family sponsors a child right now through Plan Canada, and World Vision is yet another amazing organization that strives to do so much for children around the world who truly need any help we can give.
Gift Giving that Counts
Which leads me back to gift ideas that actually do something. If you can’t sponsor a child, World Vision Canada has many great ways for you to give. Look at this lovely scarf from Vietnam.
They have many beautiful gifts to chose from.
Another fabulous idea is their Giving Gift Cards. The recipient of the giving card can choose to donate gifts from the World Vision Gift Catalogue using that card to help children and families in need around the world. The giving card is available in denominations of $30, $50, $75, $100 and $150. You can also choose a custom amount ranging from $30 to $99,999 online. The recipient can choose to donate gifts in the Gift Catalogue using the card either by phone 1-866-619-2223 or by going to the website at WorldVision.ca/givingcard. You can see here the most needed ‘gifts‘ on their list. You will notice, that feeding a hungry family here in our country is on that list.
Help Anyway You Can
A $25 gift donation to the Canadian Assistance Fund can help a family struggling with the high cost of living in this country.
$30 can buy 2 mosquito nets or 3 warm blankets.
It truly does not take much to help.
I really feel like donations and support of organizations like World Vision Canada should be a family affair. It is a great way to help teach our kids about how lucky the really are and how important it is to work towards supporting families and children all around the world.
The beauty of these gift cards is that it feels so good giving them to someone (because giving is always better than receiving) and then the person you gave it to get to give again. It’s brilliant and exactly what the holidays should be about.
Super ideas. We have already bought a few of these giving cards to gift to teachers and friends. Looking forward to sharing a Christmas gifting season that also helps others around the world. Also I love the scarf. It is so beautiful.