One year for the holidays, my in-laws donated, in my name, a flock of chicks to help in the fight against world hunger, courtesy of Heifer International. I thought that was mighty cool.
So how could I resist jumping on the bandwagon when I saw literary agent Nathan Bransford’s giving challenge today?
Exactly. I couldn’t resist. So here we are. I am shamelessly copying in the spirit of giving. Here are the details.
Heifer International is a nonprofit organization that collects donations from people like you and me, and in turn uses those funds to provide livestock–think chickens, or geese, or cows, or honeybees, or llamas–to families around the world who are living hand-to-mouth and could use the gift of livestock to start micro-farming as a way of filling their, and maybe their neighbors’, bellies.
With this post, I’m committing to donate one share of a llama to Heifer International. Because I have a soft spot in my heart for alpacas, but HI doesn’t do alpacas and the closest thing is a llama.
For each comment made on this post between now and 12/30/2009, I’ll add an additional $1 to my pledge (up to $50–that’s $20 for the alpaca share, plus up to an additional $30! I wish it could be more but hey, I’m dipping into my meager editor’s savings to do this.)
In your comment, please note the following:
1) Your name
2) Where you are
3) What you think the extra funds should go toward (look here)–maybe a flock of geese? Some honeybees? To fund a particular project?
And by all means, make me pay the full amount–spread the word to your friends and colleagues!
If you’re feeling like an especially poor academic/publishing type but want to help the cause, go visit the other folks who are taking on Nathan’s challenge and add to their commitment, too. Some of the participants extending the challenge over the next few days include*:
The Book Designer
Houndrat
Ink Spells
Anna’s Attitude
Kathryn Jankowski
Fishing for Words (note: her husband is a beekeeper, so she’s going to donate some bees; given the state of the bee population of late, I say anything to support the bees is beneficial!)
[*If you want to add your own challenge to the list, include that in your comment and I'll do my best to update this post with links to your challenge for any and all who are interested. Just remember it's the thick of the holidays/family togetherness, so there may be a little delay. Cover all bases by mentioning your own challenge in your comment.]
Hey Leanne, thanks for stopping by my blog, glad to support you too!
I’m Joel Friedlander, from San Rafael, California, and I think goats would be my choice for the extra funds.
Happy Holidays!
My name is Lilly Goren, I am at Carroll University and I am always in favor of honeybees, I use honey daily in my tea and my kids are crazy about the stuff. I figure that the production of honey, which can be used in a variety of ways, including medicinally, can be useful.
Thanks for supporting a good cause!
Leanne, thanks for commenting on my blog toward a beehive for HI. I’m returning the favor! This has been so much fun – thanks to Nathan! By the way, almost anyone can keep a beehive (allowing for any local regulations or if you are allergic)so maybe you could do it. I’m sure Denver has a state extension service that could help. Happy Holidays!
Great idea! I am finished donating for this year or I would join you, but we often give to Heifer, and I loved that they sent out a holiday phone call this year “to say thank you … and ONLY to say thank you.” I vote for honeybees or goats.