Donate an… Alpaca? World Vision’s Approach to Philanthropy
Putting Your Money Where Your Eyes Are
Unlike traditional “donate” buttons, World Vision does not include a long list of where your money might go after you give. Instead, using a picture-filled online gift catalog, you can donate something specific that tugs at your heart.
And your options are definitely outside the box. For $16 you can donate two soccer balls or basketballs. With $50 you can donate four chickens to a family who can eat and sell the eggs. $70 provides a child with the supplies and uniform to attend school.
For $360 an alpaca will make itself at home with a family who can use the wool of the animal. With a gift of $2000 you can give farmyard animals which include two each of cows, goats, pigs and sheep, plus 20 chickens. $22,000 can be donated towards a new or renovated school.
If you want to make a significant difference but $22,000 is out of your budget, consider the option of donating item “shares.” Your gift combines with other shares to purchase a large and needed item, such as a deep well for a community. Among the portions available for purchase are shares of homes, pigs, prosthetic limbs, and eye surgery.
Another feature World Vision has set up is multiplying gifts. In addition to livestock that reproduce, individuals can give a certain amount, perhaps $100, which is “matched” by other corporations and organizations so that the value of the gift is potentially as high as $1300.
World Vision also has a solution for the problem of shopping for the person on your Christmas list who has “everything.” Donate a gift from the catalog in someone’s name! Your friend or family member will receive a card saying exactly what you gave to a needy child, family or community.
