Charity Logo

Charity Logo

Charity of the Month

CHARITY OF THE MONTH - HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

In December I am riding for Heifer International. Founded in 1944, Heifer International works with communities around the world to end hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. Its approach is more than a handout. Heifer provides animals (e.g., heifers, goats, water buffalos, chickens, rabbits, fish, and bees) and training to impoverished people in over 30 countries. The animals can give milk, meat, or eggs; provide draft power; or form the basis of a small business. Communities make their own decisions about what crops, animals, and market strategies make sense for their everyday conditions and experiences.

Heifer International is based on 12 Cornerstones, such as Sustainability; Genuine Need and Justice; and Gender and Family Focus. Perhaps the best known Cornerstone is Passing on the Gift, in which Heifer recipient families pass on the offspring of their animals to others in need. In this way, whole communities can raise their standard of living.

A donation to Heifer International also can make a wonderful alternative holiday gift. Instead of yet another sweater for Grandma that she really doesn’t need, why not donate a Heifer animal or a share of an animal in her honor? Does your child really need so many new toys? Instead of five new toys, give him/her three new toys and a Heifer flock of chicks. Heifer has honor cards to let your loved ones know of your gift on their behalf.

I have set up a Team Heifer page to support Heifer International through A Year of Centuries. My goal is to raise $500. Please make your donation through https://teamheifer.heifer.org/AYearofCenturies. If you would like more information about Heifer’s work, please visit www.heifer.org. Whether you give to honor a loved one or make a regular donation, thank you for taking steps to transform the world for the better.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

5 Alternatives to Leaving Your Dog in the Car

We’re in the dog days of summer, the hottest part of the year.  Ironically, I frequently get cold this time of year – inside!  That’s because the air conditioner thermostats in many buildings are set too low for my comfort.  There is nowhere to sit outside at my office, and so on many days I eat my lunch in the break room and then go sit in my warm car that’s been out in the sun.  It doesn’t take but a few minutes before I’m sufficiently thawed out to face the icy blast inside again.

The situation is much different for dogs, however.  Because they have fur and have to pant instead of sweat, that warm car soon can become uncomfortable, even deadly.  Never leave your pet in the car – even for a quick errand.  Instead, follow one of these alternatives:

1) Use the drive-through for errands when possible.

2) Bring a friend who can play with your dog outside while you run your errand.

3) Shop at pet-friendly stores where your dog is welcome to browse with you.

4) Eat at an outdoor café where your dog can sit with you.

5) Leave your dog at home where it’s cool and safe.

No comments:

Post a Comment