Heifer International

www.heifer.org

Today, the organization I am featuring is Heifer International.  This is such a cool opportunity!  You can actually donate a cow, a flock of ducks, honeybees, and so much more to those in need.  

Heifer International has a mission to end world hunger and poverty by working with the communities and taking care of the land.  An Indiana farmer and relief worker named Dan West got the idea for this organization after being touched by the plight of refugees from the Spanish civil war and the orphans.  He saw the need for cows to be provided to the community rather than cups of powdered milk in order to survive.  By providing a cow to the community, families wouldn't have to depend on temporary powdered milk but would be able to depend on a cow for milk and all of the benefits that the animal would bring.  In 1944, the first cows were donated abroad by West's neighbors and the organization was started.

Heifer International// www.heifer.org

Today, the organization allows for one to provide over 30 types of animals from cows, goats, geese, guinea pigs, water buffalo, etc.  Dan West had such a passion for ending world hunger due to his Christian faith.  Heifer International, while started by a man of Christian faith, is proud to be backed by people of all faiths and no faith to end world hunger.  Many of the staff members found abroad are indigenous to the country.  Heifer International provides these animals so that these people can help themselves.  They consider the livestock that they are able to donate to these families as hand-ups not handouts.  They hope to empower these families by allowing them to turn their hunger into prosperity.  This is a form of sustainable agriculture and a way to raise money and support their families.

Heifer International// www.heifer.org

According to the web site, Heifer International works in around 42 countries, including the United States.  Due to the efforts of Heifer International, millions of people will have access to fresh milk, eggs and vegetables.  Children who have had to work tirelessly in the fields will instead be able to go to school and learn to read.  Families who have been plagued by impoverished conditions will be able to lead happier and healthier lives and build homes for their families.  These families will also be able to be business owners and sell the milk, eggs and products that their livestock has been able to provide. The organization encourages those who are given the animals to 'pass on the gift' and commit to helping other families in need by sharing the offspring of gift animals to them.

Heifer International succeeds in helping end world hunger by following its 12 Cornerstones:
1.) Passing on the Gift
2.)Accountability
3.)Sharing and Caring
4.)Sustainability & Self-reliance
5.)Improved animal management
6.)Genuine need & justice
7.)Improving the Environment
8.)Full participation
9.)Training & Education
10.)Spirituality
11.)Gender & Family Focus
12.) Nutrition & Income

Read more about the Cornerstones on Heifer International's web site.  Get involved and donate to this cause.  You can even pick to donate an animal.  You can provide honeybees ($30), a flock of ducks($20), you can send a girl to school ($275), etc.  There are so many awesome gifts that you can donate to those in need.  I think you will see that this is a very worthy cause.  This holiday season, donate something tangible to those in need.  Support Heifer International!