I'm taking a pause from the usual frivolity, to participate in today's Blog Action Day 2008. An opportunity for blog authors and readers, like you and me, to reflect on world poverty.
I realise that its only by accident of birth that I live the comfortable life that I do. Almost half the world's population live on a few dollars a day ... or less. That is the amount it costs to buy just one of those little spools of thread above.
There are things we can do. Small things that will make a difference.
If you have ever scrolled towards the bottom of this blog, you may have seen a link to Kiva.
This innovative organisation facilitates micro-lending to people in developing countries, so that they can create a sustainable livelihood. Its very quick and easy to become a lender: you can lend as little as USD$25 and can make the loan through Paypal. You choose the entrepreneur you wish to loan to and are repaid as their business succeeds. It feels good to know that my micro-loan has helped someone buy a sewing machine and fabric to generate income from a tailoring business.
If you can, do take the time to visit Kiva and the Blog Action Day 2008 website.
yay blog action day! way to go for joining in! here it's not 10/15 yet, but i'll be posting as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. I love the idea behind KIVA & will look at it more closely tonight (I'm a tragic night owl).
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm (nearly) always thankful for the life I have and the opportunities I've had access to, sometimes just being thankful is not enough.
Well, hmm...I missed this today. On the other hand, it is only the 15th down here in the Antipodes..I still have time to catch up with the other side!! :p
ReplyDeleteOoo, that KIVA thing looks interesting. Definitely going to look into it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Yep, yay Kiva!
ReplyDeletegreat post ms hoppo bumpo
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