Socially responsible Christmas gifts

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Okay, so I was thinking that as my parents have more money than they know what to do with and more stuff than they can put in their own house, I was looking at getting them a goat for an African country or something to that effect for Christmas. The problem that I am having is even after doing a quick google search I am left wondering which agency is the best one in terms of getting dollars to the people in need, if that even really does happen.

I don't know if anyone has experience with this but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Flash Walken]

I am currently accepting donations to The Human Fund.

PM me for deposit information.

[puffnstuff]

I didn't look for a link but isnt there a mosquito net thing? Helps to curtail the spread of malaria.
Or theres the 'Right to Play' that has a lot of athlete involvement and seems to get the donations where they belong.

[Johnny Canuck]

From personal experience, I'd reccomend Ronald Macdonald House. (100% of donations will go towards helping children in need and their families)

http://rmhc.ca/

[Knalus]

I know a lot of people are shunning the Salvation Army, I'm sure they could use your donation more than ever.

[RandyHolt]

I generally donate money to CHF. If you go under their gifts that matter section you can pick to give animals, running water, etc.

I looked into them a few years ago and they had a pretty good amount of their money going to their programs versus fundraising or admin, but I haven't looked in a while.

[algernon]

You could buy some warm coats or boots on their behalf, and hand them out to some homeless during the next cold snap.

[CaptainCrunch]

If he's an animal lover, I donated to the Cochrane Humane Society where I got my dog (rescued), I'm sure that all of the animal shelters need some help this year.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Not really much into animals to be completely honest, I am trying to find people things that suit their personality somewhat so I am looking for something involving female education for my mom and malaria nets or something practical for my dad.

I already donate to the united way and I don't have enough money to start giving out new boots and stuff to the homeless although that is a good idea as long as it gets to people who will take care of their stuff.

The Salvation Army does do a lot of good work so perhaps that is a good close to home solution.

[Locke]

Volunteer their house as an impromptu homeless shelter.

[VladtheImpaler]

Are you sure your dad wouldn't rather have a really nice bottle of scotch? To be half-serious, I would feel weird about doing this, unless the individual(s) in question specifically told me this is what they want...

"Mom, I gave to AIDS treatment in SA on your behalf!"

"Uhhh, thanks.... that's.... sweet"

[Ace]

Compassion Canada does this sort of thing:

http://www.compassion.ca/shop/index.php?linkid=222

[Reggie Dunlop]

A special needs cat.

[BigBrodieFan]

http://us.camfed.org/site/PageServer...ame=home_index


This site lets you donate money to educate a female in Africa. Sounds like it could be a match for what you're looking for. I have friends who donated last year, and they were updated with pictures, letters, etc. throughout the year.
She’ll be three times less likely to get HIV/AIDS, earn 25 percent more income and have a smaller, healthier family.

[Tiger]

Plan Canada is who I donate through, and they have some pretty interesting 'gifts'.

Are family gives to charity for each other rather than gifts because really what do we need gifts for. They are nice, but really if I want something I can buy it myself. And also why would I get someone to get me a camera lens or something over a water system for a town in africa.

[algernon]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

I already donate to the united way and I don't have enough money to start giving out new boots and stuff to the homeless although that is a good idea as long as it gets to people who will take care of their stuff.

The Salvation Army does do a lot of good work so perhaps that is a good close to home solution.

I wonder if there are programs to give away all of the promotional jackets that don't get used? Big business probably give away 100 000* promos to clients and employees every year, with lots of people receiving multiple coats/toques/sweaters.

Maybe a mass email through your contacts list could gather up a hundred un-utilized items and could be dropped off at the Mustard Seed or Woman's Shelter or Salvation Army?
I don't know how that ties in to a Christmas gift, but it could get help to people almost directly.

*wild guess

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Are you sure your dad wouldn't rather have a really nice bottle of scotch? To be half-serious, I would feel weird about doing this, unless the individual(s) in question specifically told me this is what they want...

"Mom, I gave to AIDS treatment in SA on your behalf!"

"Uhhh, thanks.... that's.... sweet"

Yeah I agree. Gifts like this are great in theory, but are super unexciting and a total let down come Christmas morning.

Your parents are doing good for material stuff, so how about tickets to a concert/play/movie theater/etc? Or a GC for night out at a nice restaurant?

[Burninator]

http://www.oxfam.ca/

[topfiverecords]

The Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation is building 131 schools in Africa. 100% of money donated goes straight to construction.

The Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation

Bob McCown speaks to Michael "Pinball" Clemons about Free the Children

[alltherage]

I was actually going to buy a goat through World Vision just now in my parents name. It's $100.

My family has been supporting children for years through WV.

https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Home.aspx