A Humble Gift makes a Huge Difference!

 

There is no greater joy, nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life. ~ Mary Rose McGeady

 

I whole heartily agree with Mary Rose! So let’s go ahead and make a difference! I am going to share three very worthy charities to which even the smallest donations can make a difference. Giving to charity is going to be a part of Bliss Habits. I will periodically be introducing you to causes I think can make a difference and invite you to give what you can. Today, in addition to that, I am inviting you to vote for the charity of your choice to receive my $100 donation. You don’t need to give a thing but your vote will help determine which cause gets the money! Times may be tough but by voting in my little poll you will be directing money to those who need it. Vote with your heart please. The vote will determine several future donations and upcoming blog events. 

Heifer.org

One of my favorite organizations. My family and I have been gifting each other “flocks of geese, goats and pigs” for years! Our gifts deliver much needed farm animals to people who benefit most. Inspiring stories abound on their website.  This is from their website regarding the remarkable $20 gift of Geese:

Geese Get Results

Geese make a great gift, and here’s why: Since some geese can lay up to 75 eggs a year the benefits add up quickly for families in desperate need of protein and a means of income. Geese are easy to care for because they don’t require much shelter and can adapt to hot, wet or cold weather. Geese can also find a good portion of their food by themselves, and they efficiently dispose of weed seeds and gobble up insects, slugs and snails.

Best of all, geese are highly efficient producers of animal protein. And they’re vigilant “watchdogs,” loudly warning when uninvited guests arrive at the homestead.

Heifer’s model spreads throughout communities as recipients pass on the gifts of animals and offspring – creating a sustainable cycle of hope and change.

Water.org

Matt Damon loves this organization so I do too. OK, so that isn’t my real reason. Water is one of the earth’s most precious resources and I believe one of the easiest and most productive ways to help people is to make sure that they have access to clean, safe water. It is actually possible . A $25 dollar gift here insures that one person has drinkable water – for LIFE! One gift gives for someones entire lifetime, now that is making a difference!  Some basic information from their website:

Each day, many millions of people in developing countries must walk long distances to get the water they need for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Often, this water is contaminated. Water.org, co-founded by Matt Damon and Gary White, helps people in developing countries obtain safe drinking water and basic sanitation (toilets). Working in partnership with those in need, Water.org has transformed hundreds of communities in eight countries – Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Guatemala, India, Kenya, and the Philippines – with access to a safe, reliable source of water and basic sanitation.

On average, worldwide it only costs $25 to provide someone water for life. Costs for improved sanitation is even less. How far will you go?

American Red Cross – Japan Relief

This might not be my first choice for charitable giving because if there is any people capable of weathering this tragedy I believe it is the Japanese. However, the sadness is so enormous and compelling that I can not help but respond. I am proud to be human when I hear accounts of neighbors bringing water to housebound friends and the grace and calm with which those affected wait for food and services. Read this amazing account of “Hope in Japan” from Joyparker’s Blog and see if you don’t feel the same!

I also like the fact that if the Red Cross sees a greater need they will funnel any donations in that direction. This is what they say on their blog:

Your gift to the American Red Cross will support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

 

So now it is up to you!

I have decided to donate some of my personal funds and I am going to let you, my blog readers, direct those donations! First of all I am conducting a poll which will decide where an initial $100 donation will be sent. Additionally for ever reader who lets me know (in a comment here or on our Facebook page )that they are also contributing to one of these causes, I will add an additional $5 dollars to my *donation. If you would prefer not to say publicly drop me a note at BlissHabits at gmail dot com.

Here are some additional Grand Prize Charity Giving opportunities:

From now until midnight on April 3rd, every time you refer a friend to Bliss Habits an additional dollar will be added to my charitable giving pot. At the end of the contest one winner, from each of the three categories below will be chosen, to direct “their additional funds” to the charity of his or her choice. In addition to directing the donation they will also receive the 10 x 10 marielliot print of their choice!

* I have allocated up to $500 in total charitable giving so lets see if we can spend it all!

Three different ways to follow Bliss Habits = Three ways to win!

• Invite a friend to follow @BlissHabits on Twitter. When they tell me you sent them you BOTH get one entry in this giveaway.
• Invite a friend to follow the blog via Google Friend Connect or RSS Feed. When they tell me you sent them you BOTH get one entry in this giveaway.
• Invite a friend to “Like” the Bliss Habits Facebook Page. When they tell me you sent them you BOTH get one entry in this giveaway.

Please note: If you have already sent a friend to  Bliss Habits just have them tell me and you both will be counted.

EXAMPLE: Suzy refers 4  friends to the Bliss Habits Facebook Page. In total 65 new friends join the Bliss Habits page.  If Suzy wins the random drawing, she will direct to which charity $65 dollars goes (one dollar per new member) AND she will also get the 10 x 10 marielliot print of her choice!

Help spread the word,  please share this post!