International Projects at 1310 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508-2048 US - Heifer International
| Heifer International |
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Did you know that for the price of a large pizza you can buy a flock of geese? And while you might wonder why a flock of geese if preferable to 14 inches of melted cheese and pepperoni, to a family living in the 3rd word, a flock of geese can provide them with economic stability and better nutrition. Heifer International (www.heifer.org) is an organization that strives to help people living in the third world better their lives by their own efforts. Through the generosity of its donors Heifer International provides local people in need with livestock (cows, pigs, sheep, fowl etc.) and the training needed to successfully raise and use the animals. In turn, those who have received this aid are then responsible for helping others, giving away some of the livestock they've breed and providing others with the know how to do the same.
At Heifer International's website works like any other online store. You browse their catalog of livestock and add what you want to the cart and check out. If you choose a cow, Heifer International will then give that cow to some one in need along with the necessary training. This is not simply throwing money at the problem of poverty in the 3rd world; it is providing people with a viable and sustainable way of bettering their living conditions.
Good Shepard Chapel in Whitley City uses Heifer International as an advent project. Their parishioners save all advent, and then collect what they've saved into a special Christmas offering. They've been doing this for several years now, and they have been quite successful. This would also be a great idea to use with children or in schools because small children love animals and even a little money raised can go to buy something substantial. Another thing Heifer International suggest is buying an animal in someone's name in place of buying them a conventional gift, a great idea for people who already have everything.