Green Calgary

Christmas Gift Idea #10

Share the Christmas Spirit with those in Need

There are so many great charities and causes out there and if you're giving a donation in the name of a friend or family member for christmas its sometimes hard to decide which one they would choose.  Because we know this is a difficult decision, we'd like to highlight a few options - some that are just great local charities and other channels that will give the recipient a little more control over where the money goes.

Canada Helps provides charity gift cards where the recipient is able to choose a charity of their choice.  With over 83,000 charities to choose from they are bound to find a cause that they believe in. 

Kiva is a great organization that facilitates microfinancing of small businesses in developing countries.  Basically, you lend out $X to the business or person of your choice, and unlike a donation, the money over time is payed back.  After repayment you can either cash out or find another business to lend to.  This gift keeps on giving, both for the businesses you are helping, and for your friend who will be engaged in the process everytime the loan is returned.

CAWST, the Centre for Affordable Water & Sanitation Technology, is a Calgary based non-profit organization that provides training and consulting to organizations that work directly with populations in developing countries who lack access to water and sanitation.

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