By Tania Asnes
Ed says that he tries to 'live simply so that others can simply live.' The nonprofit charitable organization Heifer International has an interesting twist on Ed's idea: give simply so that others can simply live. A gift from Heifer International is not what you might expect. It's a cow. Don't worry; you can erase the mental image of a giant, mooing crate arriving at your friend's birthday soiree. Through Heifer International you can honor someone by donating, in his or her name, a cow (heifer), llama, flock of chicks, or other means of sustainable nourishment and income to a person in need. The organization's mission dates back to founder Dan West's days as a relief worker during the Spanish Civil War. Handing out cups of milk to children, West realized that what they needed truly was a cow.
Heifer International operates under the idea that world peace and green living will come only with an end to hunger and poverty, and it makes a good point. After all, a person would be hard-pressed to get involved in global issues when she must spend the bulk of her time and energy fighting to survive. When that same person is free of the daily struggle for sustenance, she can broaden her focus from personal to local and then perhaps to national and global. For as little as $20 or as much as thousands, givers can make this kind of direct and lasting impact.
True to its founder's ideals, what sets Heifer International apart from similar organizations is its focus on sustainability and empowerment. Rather than donate a limited supply of food or money, Heifer International provides a renewable source of both in a way that puts power in the recipient's hands. The organization's ethos of "Passing on the Gift" ensures that the gift of sustainability spreads within communities. Recipients agree to share the benefits of their gift with others, such as giving an animal's offspring to neighbors. Animal lovers will be glad to know that the organization practices and advocates humane treatment of animals, which includes providing recipients with appropriate training. Training is another part of the gift that recipients can pass on to others.
There is a saying, 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.' In the case of Heifer International, the gift of a live animal is what has the potential to feed people, families, and communities, for generations. The next time you are looking for a green gift or want to create a charitable gift registry for your wedding or other event, browse Heifer International. With the click of a mouse, give the gift that keeps on giving genuinely, to people and to the planet.
