Merry Christmas!
I know it’s still November. Sorry.
As some of our gifts need to be sent overseas we’re in the process of sorting them out. For the past few years we have sent the sort of gifts that aren’t really gifts, as such, to the recipient of the cards – chickens and vegie seeds and mosquito nets, health and education and livelihood gifts that are sent to those who need them, with a card sent to family to tell them what’s been given 😀
There are a lot of different organisations you can get these from. Here’s some we’ve used in the past or may use in the future – now is the time to give if you want to send cards on in time for Christmas!
These are some of the paper ones I’ve received this year, but catalogues can be found (and ordered from) online.
Compassion is a child sponsorship programme, so there is always the option to sponsor a child – any time of the year! Tear Fund partners with local Christian development organisations to help people across Africa, Asia and the Pacific to lead their own development initiatives. The catalogues for both of them are good places to go if you want to provide gardens, livestock or health and education initiatives for those who need them.
Oxfam is a great place to go for the same type of things. They also sell fair trade goods online or in shops if you’d prefer giving a physical gift – you should be able to get the cards in store as well.
Mercy Ships gift catalogue provides physical gifts such as t-shirts, mugs or a lovely looking necklace, with proceeds going to fund free, world-class surgical and other health care through hospital ships.
International Justice Mission (IJM) works to end slavery of all types by partnering with law and social work professionals across the world to restore justice to the poor. Choosing a gift from their catalogue means you are helping to rescue a victim of slavery or sex trafficking and helping provide aftercare so they can find a better future.
All of the links (click on the brownish text) are Australian based – look for these organisations in your own region if you’re interested. This next catalogue is based in Britain, but we have used it before. I liked the Good Gifts catalogue when I first saw it because there were different sorts of gifts from the other catalogues, encompassing other countries as well as tackling poverty in Britain. This year’s catalogue includes gifts such as destroying weapons left in recent war zones, funding a 3-year degree course for an African or providing a visit to a theatre, opera or concert for a child who would never otherwise have the chance. There are also environmental gifts such as funding a stretch of hedgerow or helping clean the ocean of plastic.
A lot of charities have Christmas catalogues, so it’s worth checking your favourites. Even if they don’t have specific Christmas gifts you could try donating on behalf of others and sending your own card to let them know. This also holds true for other occasions throughout the year – and remember you can always donate at any time, either a one off or regularly 😀
